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Housing Trust 'Open Inspections'
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We were interested to read front page news and an article in the Sunday Mail describing the trial of a new process to offer public housing to prospective tenants using private rental market-style open inspections. The problems that need solutions according to the journalist, are that the state government has 'lost patience with fussy prospective tenants refusing housing offers' and aiming to reduce vacancies.
People languishing on the social housing waiting list, must be assessed as living with high and complex needs to qualify as next in line for offers of housing. It is unclear how this trial will benefit vulnerable people who may experience difficulties with short time frames to view homes or feel pressured to accept housing that does not meet their support or family needs.
The Minister and Shadow Minister discussed the trial on ABC Adelaide (from 2:39:13), and the trial and slow turnaround times seem to be linked to walk up flats - one bedroom units located in large clusters - which are difficult to tenant. A caller, Ruby, phoned into the radio show, describing her extraordinarily unpleasant experience living next door to difficult, abusive neighbours and as she was vacating an unsuitable tenancy due to the threats she received, Ruby happened to meet the next tenant due to move in, with his young child. Luckily, Ruby warned the person about the neighbours and they did not accept the property.
The case studies in The Sunday Mail are slightly misleading because if tenants are being relocated due to urban renewal, they are promised like for like - improvements they have funded themselves should not be lost, such as air conditioning. Living near family, keeping children in their support networks and being close to services are critical for successful tenancies.
The Sunday Mail portrayal of vulnerable tenants as 'fussy' only serves to perpetuate negative stereotypes of people living with housing need who should be 'grateful' for the privilege to have a roof over their heads, regardless of its suitability. Online comments by many on social media confirmed that the story invited strong commentary on these uninformed views. If there are time delays in re-tenanting homes there should be a trial that tests a new approach to reducing the turnaround time and more effort to ensure clusters of public housing are safe places to live.
In the United Kingdom there are two main approaches to offering social housing - choice based and needs based letting. Under either approach the household with the highest needs is given the first viewing and the first opportunity to accept the property. In choice based letting there is an online platform that 'advertises' available properties and people can register their interest according to their eligibility.
Local authorities must always consider people's personal circumstances and wishes. In considering what is a reasonable offer, they should take into account the particular circumstances of the applicant. This may include, for example, the need to consider:
- any physical/learning disabilities or mental health problems;
- the family, making sure that they are not split up;
- the need to be near friends or relatives and other formal or informal support networks; and
- the location of applicants' employment, education or training establishments, or health services.
Unfortunately South Australia does not have enough suitable social housing to meet the needs of those who are most vulnerable and moves to make the quickest acceptance the next tenant will not address this issue. In the current environment that promotes lived experience, it is not known who was consulted about this new trial. Allocations should be people led, not process led to ensure the best outcomes.
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National Council of Women SA Invite
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Our Executive Director, Alice, will be speaking at this event with a great line up of speakers, on Saturday morning, 18 September. Come along if you'd like to join the conversation about housing and homelessness with a focus on women. Bookings are essential please.
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