Community Housing

We are a Community Housing Provider and are committed to meeting National Community Housing Standards set for all community housing organisations. If you think we are not meeting these standards, please let us know.

Community Housing Provider

As a Community Housing Provider, we own and manage social and affordable housing properties for people on low to moderate incomes who may have difficulty accessing suitable housing in the private rental market. We are registered under a national regulatory system and must adhere to specific standards.

Social Housing

This type of housing is for people on very low incomes who can’t find suitable accommodation in the private rental market. It may often include groups with very specific needs, for example someone who is escaping domestic and family violence, has a disability or is homeless.

Privacy and Confidentiality 

We accept that you have a right to privacy, so we guarantee to keep your information confidential. All information about your tenancy is kept in our office in your tenant file. You can ask to view your tenant file and we will organise a time for you to do so.

Orana Support Service Property Manager

 Our Property Manager is here to support you through all steps involved in your Community Housing tenancy journey.

How we choose tenants:

People applying for housing with us must meet the NSW government’s eligibility criteria for community housing. They also need to meet our eligibility criteria. 

Eligibility criteria include: 

· 18 or older 

· An Australian citizen or permanent resident

· A resident of NSW. 

 · Demonstrate an inability to resolve their housing needs through other means, such as owning property. 

· Income and asset limits apply 

· Applicants must be able to sustain a tenancy, potentially with support 

The NSW Housing Register 

Orana Support Service uses the NSW Housing Register to identify those people in most need. 

The NSW Housing Register is a single register of households who are eligible for social housing. The register includes approved applicants by their preferred location, priority category, and the date they were approved. 

Tenancy Agreement 

Before you move in you will need to sign a Tenancy Agreement which is a legal contract. It lists a number of rights and responsibilities of Orana Support Service as the landlord and you as the tenant.

Bond

Before you move in you will need to pay the first two weeks rent PLUS the bond. You may be eligible to apply for a Rentstart Bond Loan. The loan, which can be up to 100% of your rental bond, is interest free. The payments you make are returned to you at the end of the tenancy if there's no claim made by Orana Support Service.

Determining Rent

We must determine the subsidised rent of all new tenancies and existing tenancies based on a percentage of the assessable household income plus 100 percent of the household’s entitlement to Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA). Please refer to the Community Housing Rent Policy which shows the percentage of income payable by different members of a household.

Paying Your Rent 

You can choose the best payment option for you including: 

· Centrepay – if you receive a payment from Centrelink. If you provide written consent, we can arrange this for you. 

· Direct Debit 

· Electronic Funds Transfer to our bank account.

Rent Review 

Your rent will be reviewed in accordance with your lease. You will always be given at least 14 days’ notice of any increase to your rent.

Essential Services

It is your responsibility to have essential services such as electricity, gas and telephone connected in your name. You are responsible for all connection and usage charges. 

Water 

You are responsible for paying for your water usage. Your water payment will be paid with your rent.

Our Property Manager will conduct inspections to determine any maintenance requirements. However, you can report maintenance issues at any time for urgent repairs. Smoke alarms will be checked at scheduled property inspections. It is your responsibility to maintain adequate pest control measures including for wasps, bees, ants, fleas, cockroaches, spiders, mice, rats, snakes. Check the Tenant Handbook for other pest occurrences.

Maintenance and Repairs, Housing and Tenancy Issues, Rent and other Charges: Email: maintenance@oranasupport.com.au, phone:1800 353 199 

Giving Feedback, Making a Complaint or Lodging an Appeal: 

Call in to our office at 9 – 11 White Street Dubbo NSW 2830 and complete a Feedback Form or Complaint Form 

Complete a form online at https://oranasupport.com.au 

Phone: 1800 353 199 or 02 6800 1650 Support Services: Email intake@oranasupport.com.au