Housing SA Rent and Occupancy Reviews

In reply to Ms SANDERSON (Adelaide) (23 July 2014). (Estimates Committee A)

The Hon. Z.L. BETTISON (Ramsay—Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers): I have been advised:

Housing SA undertakes regular rent and occupancy reviews. Outcomes are twofold, ensuring that tenants have access to affordable rental housing that does not exceed 25 per cent of their income, and that efficient, effective and sustainable business practices are followed when collecting rental income.

Housing SA conducted an amnesty in August 2013, giving tenants the opportunity to declare previously undeclared household members and/or income without penalty. Members of the public were also encouraged to report suspected instances where tenants were not declaring extra people or income. A total of 979 reports were received by Housing SA under the amnesty of which:

594 (60.7 per cent) related to unapproved household members; and

385 (39.3 per cent) related to extra household income.

Full rents are subject to an annual review based on market rates, determined from information provided by the state Valuer-General.

Reviews of reduced (income based) rents are undertaken twice annually following consumer price index increases to Centrelink payments.

Housing occupancy reviews are scheduled annually for tenants participating in Centrelink's Income Confirmation Services. There was no review in 2013 as the amnesty was undertaken. The next review is scheduled for August 2014.