SAH - Western Australia

Our housing service

Salvation Army Housing provides independent living and shared accommodation for those on low to moderate income and for those provided for at The Salvation Army’s Seaforth Gardens (seniors) Complex.

Our partnerships

We work with a range of non-government and government services in the local area to help people access the services and support programs they may require throughout the duration of their tenancy.

Affiliations

Salvation Army Housing is a member of Shelter WA and the Community Housing Industry Association.

Our mission

Our mission is to assist individuals experiencing social disadvantage and to establish and maintain safe, affordable, secure tenancies through the management of a range of high quality housing options.

Rent

Rent is based on a percentage of your income, and this is generally 25 percent of the household’s gross income excluding rent assistance.  When offered a property, you will be asked to provide a written income declaration; your rent will be calculated on this amount, plus 100 percent Commonwealth Rent Assistance where eligible.

Rent payments

Rent payments can be done by direct deposit or Centrepay.  You will be provided with information on rent processes and details of how you can pay rent at the beginning of your tenancy.

Property keys

You will be given one complete set of keys to the property. You are responsible for the cost of cutting extra sets or if you lose the original set.

If you lock yourself out of your property, you are responsible for any locksmith charges.  Salvation Army Housing has a copy of the keys and can get spare keys cut with due notice.

General repairs and maintenance 

Salvation Army Housing makes every effort to complete maintenance items quickly and professionally.  Report repairs or maintenance problems as soon as possible.

Only maintenance approved by Salvation Army Housing will be paid for by The Salvation Army. Tenants are not permitted to authorise any maintenance. 

All tenants will be given an after hours number for all urgent repairs that are required outside of the Salvation Army Housing office hours.

Eligibility and Income Asset Limits

To view Eligibility and Income Asset Limits for Community Housing, please click here.

Helping you settle in

We know that as you settle in, you may have further questions about the property, your tenancy agreement or any other services that Salvation Army Housing may be able to provide. All you need to do is contact your Housing Worker and they will be able to assist you with any further information.

Moving in

Before you move into your new home, you should consider the following:

• Notify Australia Post, friends, family and businesses of your change of address
• If applicable, have final readings made of gas and electricity meters in your previous home (this will make it easier to have these services connected at your new home).
• Depending your type of accommodation you may have to complete the necessary forms to ensure that you have gas or electricity supplied at your new home
• You are advised to insure your personal belongings and contents of your home. Salvation Army Housing’s insurance policy only covers the buildings, and not individual items
• Remember to notify all other agencies of your change in address

Visitors and relatives

At Salvation Army Housing we understand that you might have visitors, friends and relatives staying with you from time to time. To avoid confusion Salvation Army Housing as your landlord would appreciate you letting us know if a visitor is staying for a long period of time – up to six weeks. After six weeks the visitor may need to be placed on the lease and there would be a rent review. If there is damage to the property caused by the visitor, we will except you to be responsible for costs of repairs.

Subletting of the property

Tenants of Salvation Army Housing are not permitted to assign the lease or sublet the premises or accept lodgers without the prior written approval of Salvation Army Housing.

Pets 

If the property is leased by Salvation Army Housing we generally do not allow pets.  You have to seek written permission from us if you get a pet or have an existing pet when you sign your lease agreement. You will be responsible for any damage caused by the pet.

Car parking 

You are only allowed to park your vehicle in the allocated or numbered car park space that is part of the property. Do not park on the lawns or garden areas. No unregistered cars are allowed to be stored at the property.

Changing needs 

We understand that people’s circumstances change. Sometimes this means that your housing is no longer suitable for you. Let us know if your needs have changed and we need to explore other options.

In a situation where your needs have changed due to health or disability we may be able to modify your home to better suit your needs.  We will ask a General Practitioner or an Occupational Therapist to provide a complete assessment of your needs. Salvation Army Housing will review the report to determine if the modifications are possible. 

Home modifications 

You are not allowed to make any alterations, installations and additions, to the property without written permission from Salvation Army Housing.

Community engagement 

If you are interested in community activities such as neighbourhood renewal programs, volunteer work, participating in a resident group or generally want to be part of your community, you are more than welcome to call your Housing Worker who can discuss with you opportunities to get involved as they arise.

Salvation Army Housing offers other avenues for you to be involved including:

• Seeking your feedback and comments by completing the “How can we improve?” brochure
• Providing you with opportunities to discuss how your housing is managed
• Contribute to our newsletter
• Respond to surveys.

Neighbours 

When you move into one of our properties you have a right to expect quiet peace and enjoyment and that your immediate neighbours also respect your privacy. They, of course also have the right to expect the same of you.

If you experience neighbourhood issues then you should contact your Housing Worker who will be able to assist and advise of the next best appropriate response.

Contact the Circle Green Community Legal for advice and assistance regarding your accommodation.

Before you move into your offer of accommodation you will also be provided with the following information leaflets:

• The WA Tenancy App
• Renting a Home in Western Australia > A Tenants Guide