PENSIONER HOUSING. Council- Owned Rental Units for Senior Citizens

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1 PENSIONER HOUSING Council- Owned Rental Units for Senior Citizens

2 2 Whangarei District Council 1. General Information Whangarei District Council owns a total of 164 units one bedroom units, five two bedroom units and 17 bedsits - in 16 separate locations in Whangarei, Onerahi and Hikurangi. Each site accommodates between two and 18 units which were constructed from the 1960 s through to the 1990s. Council s Pensioner Housing units are available for rental at below open market rentals to applicants who meet the eligibility criteria, as set out in Council s Pensioner Housing Policy. The Northland District Masonic Trust is currently contracted to provide day-to-day management of the units, which includes tenant placement, tenant liaison and urgent or minor maintenance issues. All tenancies are managed according to the Residential Tenancies Act Interested applicants who meet the eligibility criteria are required to complete an Application for Pensioner Housing. This process involves completing an application form, an interview and providing such things as proof of identification and have a good tenant/citizen history. A medical report may also be requsted. Once this process is successfully completed the applicant s name is placed on the database of applicants.

3 Whangarei District Council 3 2. Eligibility To be eligible for pensioner housing, prospective tenants must meet the following criteria, and in cases where a couple applies, both applicants must meet the following criteria: be a New Zealand citizen or be permitted to reside in New Zealand, be aged 65 years or over and retired from full time work, be a recipient of New Zealand Superannuation or similar, the combined value of the applicant s assets must not exceed $17,500 (single) and $20,500 (double). This includes any assets derived from being a beneficiary of a family trust, but excludes car, furniture and personal household affects, be able to demonstrate they can live independently (this can mean living independently with assistance from a support network), and have a good tenant history. 3. Assessment The acceptance (or otherwise) of applications remains at the full discretion of the Council or its Tenancy Managers. Full details of the assessment process are included in Council s Pensioner Housing Policy. The offer of a vacant unit will be based on an assessment of the priorities of all the applicants at the time that the unit becomes available, and may not necessarily be dependent on the length of time the applicant has been on the database. 4. Rents Single and Double Units rents set at 30% of New Zealand Superannuation Bedsits - rents set at 28% of New Zealand Superannuation Rents will increase annually in line with New Zealand Superannuation figures, and will be implemented according to the Residential Tenancies Act. Rents should be paid to The Whangarei District Council, being the landlord of all units. It may be convenient to set up a direct payment from a benefit, or a direct debit. The Northland District Masonic Trust can help with this.

4 4 Whangarei District Council 5. Bond A bond equivalent to four weeks rent is required. 6. Facilities All pensioner housing units are attractive and well kept. They are generally located on flat land, near shops and transport services. They vary in size but, on average, measure approximately 43 square metres. Council provides vinyl floor coverings in the bathroom and kitchen areas, carpet in the lounge and bedroom areas, an oven, one smoke alarm, rails/tracks for curtains, a clothesline and a letterbox for all units. All other fittings including furniture, heating and curtains are the responsibility of the tenant. No garaging or carports are available, however most villages have limited off street parking. Some units have ramps, handrails, scooter parks, security doors and storage sheds. The Mill Road units have shared laundry facilities where washing machines and dryers are provided. All other units have either a separate laundry or a laundry/bathroom area provided, however appliances are the responsibility of the tenant. This type of housing is suitable for people who are able to live independently. No units have been specifically modified for people with significant disabilities.

5 Whangarei District Council 5 7. Maintenance The units are maintained by Council to a good standard. All general maintenance is to be referred to the Northland District Masonic Trust Upgrades and refurbishments will be assessed and prioritised during an annual condition survey, and will be completed according to these priorities across all pensioner housing villages. Grounds, including lawns, paths and shrubs, are maintained by Council s contractors while tenants are encouraged to look after the small gardens immediately outside their units. Shared garden refuse bins are provided at most villages. All other rubbish is the tenant s responsibility. 8. Services It is the responsibility of the tenant to arrange for any telephone, internet and power connections, and to pay all charges for the connection and ongoing rental. All water is supplied by the Council. Tenants are encouraged to conserve water, wherever possible. Television aerials may already be installed in units and available for use. Council does not provide, maintain, re-tune or replace aerials. 9. FAQ s Am I allowed pets? No, pets are not allowed in pensioner units. Am I allowed visitors? Visitors are welcome during the day, however only the tenant(s) who signed the Tenancy Agreement are permitted to stay overnight in the unit. If you have special circumstances where visitors are required to stay overnight please contact the Masonic Trust. You are at all times responsible for your visitors behaviour and adherence to all rules.

6 6 Whangarei District Council Am I allowed to smoke in my unit? No, all pensioner housing units are smoke free. What parking is available? Car parking facilities are very limited in all complexes and cannot be reserved by any particular tenant. Tenants are urged to be considerate of others when using parking facilities. Tenants are also responsible for their visitors, who must park outside the village at all times. Allowance is given for pick ups and drop offs, so long as they do not exceed five minutes in duration at any one time. Non-road worthy vehicles, or vehicles parked inconsiderately or in emergency parks, may be removed at the owner s expense. What about requesting a location and transfer? An applicant s preference for any particular location will be taken into consideration and accommodated, wherever possible. However this is not guaranteed. Council acknowledges special circumstances may exist that require a tenant to relocate to a different location. In this instance, Council may consider a written request by a tenant to transfer from one unit to another. What if my circumstances change during my tenancy? If you have any change in circumstances that would alter your eligibility for a unit, such as change of income, value of assets, health issues or a disability that may impact on your ability to live independently, you are required to notify the Northland District Masonic Trust immediately. Any changes will be considered on a case-by-case basis. How do I terminate my tenancy? To terminate your tenancy you must give 21 days notice and supply in writing: your name and address details, notification that you are giving 21 days notice to terminate, your new address and phone so that we can forward correspondence, confirmation that you will close and pay all accounts such as phone, and arrangements for the return of keys.

7 Whangarei District Council 7 The unit must be left clean and tidy and all personal affects, furniture and rubbish must be removed. Cleaning fees or repairs for damage will be deducted from your bond, if applicable. Further Information can be found in: Whangarei District Council Pensioner Housing Policy 0050 Residential Tenancies Act 1986 Unit Locations KAMO 62 Clark Rd 8 single units 190 Kamo Rd 18 single units TIKIPUNGA 4 Amber Dr 14 single units, 1 x 2 bedroom unit Corks Rd 14 single units 8-12 Coleridge Pl 8 single units 89 Kiripaka Rd 6 single units CITY Mill Rd 12 bedsits, 5 single units, 1 x 2 bedroom unit 48 Maunu Rd 9 single units, 1x 2 bedroom unit 142 Maunu Rd 17 single units, 1 x 2 bedroom unit 26 Te Mai Rd 9 single units 21A Otaika Rd 8 single units 43 Maunu Rd 46 single units ONERAHI 21 Bloomfield Pl 11 single units, 1 x 2 bedroom unit HIKURANGI 1 Alfred St 4 single units 7 King St 2 single units 45A George St 2 single units

8 8 Whangarei District Council For further information contact: Pensioner Housing Management Services Northland District Masonic Trust Level 1, Mansfield Terrace, Corner Bank & Mansfield Streets PO Box 8 Whangarei 0140 Phone info@northlanddmt.org.nz Forum North, Rust Avenue, Private Bag 9023, Whangarei 0148 Phone: Fax: mailroom@wdc.govt.nz Website: