Changing a tenancy – Recognition as a tenant – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Carers Carers

Recognition as a tenant - Specific requirements for both Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and clients residing in a public housing property and an Aboriginal Housing Office property

1. Formal and informal carers of children or young persons

The client is the formal or informal carer of children or young persons, and they:

• were not part of the household at the time the event occurred, and
• would not otherwise be able to provide suitable housing for the children or young persons therefore leaving them at risk of homelessness, and
• agree in writing to live in the property, and continue to provide care for the children, and
• are eligible for social housing.

In a situation where a formal or informal carer of children or young persons of the household does not meet the eligibility criteria for social housing, Homes NSW may decide to grant Recognition as a tenant if:

• the client can provide evidence they are the formal or informal carer, and
• it is in the best interests of the children, and
• the client can demonstrate that no alternative accommodation is available that is suitable for the care of the children.

In such circumstances, it may be necessary for Homes NSW Housing staff to liaise with DCJ child protection staff to ensure this is the best option for the children involved.

Homes NSW may approve Recognition as a tenant on the condition that the client agrees in writing that, if the care arrangement ceases, they will relinquish the tenancy.

Where a client claims to be the formal or informal carer of children or young persons of the household, they must provide proof, for more information see item 28 on the Evidence Requirements Information Sheet.

2. Evidence requirements for a live-in carer that has relinquished a property managed by Homes NSW

Where a client claims to have relinquished a social housing property to act as the live-in carer for the tenant or other household member, Homes NSW must verify the carer status with one or more of the following:

• proof that they receive the Carer Payment or Allowance as the carer for the tenant. For more information see item 21 on the Evidence Requirements Information Sheet
• documentation from the tenant’s health care professional that supports that the applicant is the carer.