7. Tenancy managers
This section discusses the role of tenancy manager under the Scheme.
7.1 Who can be a Tenancy Manager?
It is not intended to be prescriptive about which bodies could be eligible tenancy managers for the Scheme. A tenancy manager can be:
- a non-profit housing provider;
- a private sector property manager; or
- a State or Territory Government on a fee for service basis where the provider asks the State Housing Authority to perform that role (in locations where there may be no suitable alternatives).
7.2 Role of Tenancy Manager
Key roles for tenancy managers include:
- assessment of initial and ongoing tenant eligibility;
- determining market rents for dwellings and the rents charged to tenants;
- reporting annually to FaHCSIA and the recipients of the Incentive on compliance with eligibility, rent level requirements and regulatory requirements; and
- managing tenancies in accordance with applicable State or Territory regulatory requirements.
It is anticipated that, during the Establishment Phase, non-profit organisations will be well placed to deliver tenancy and property management under the Scheme. In recent years, a number of non-profit tenancy managers have developed affordable housing programs, in partnerships with the private sector, individual investors and/or governments. These organisations have developed a variety of business models for delivering and/or managing tenancies priced at below market rents.
Tenancy managers that have a track record of maintaining longer tenures will be viewed as highly desirable.
Question 5 - The aim of the Scheme is to improve housing outcomes for tenants. How should tenancy managers be regulated to ensure quality outcomes for tenants in the Scheme?