Hamilton City Council provides housing throughout Hamilton for older people living alone or as a couple who are eligible and require long-term

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Godwin Alexander
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2 Hamilton City Council provides housing throughout Hamilton for older people living alone or as a couple who are eligible and require long-term accommodation in the city.

3 Overview Hamilton City Council owns 344 units, most of which are located near shopping centres and bus routes. The majority are one-bedroom, self-contained units although we do have a few bedsits and two-bedroom units intended for applicants requiring a full-time caregiver, for which additional criteria apply. As all of the units are situated in a community-style living environment, we expect all tenants to be respectful of their neighbours and contribute positively to the complex. The units are located in complexes in the following city suburbs: Chartwell Dinsdale Hamilton East Melville Pukete Claudelands Enderley Maeroa Nawton Silverdale hamilton.co.nz/housing

4 Who can apply for these units? Anyone can apply for Hamilton City Council Housing providing they meet the criteria listed below: Be a New Zealand citizen or hold New Zealand Permanent Residency Be 60 years of age or older (in the case of a couple both must qualify) The bulk of an applicant s income to be from a permanent New Zealand/overseas benefit Be retired from full time work (in the case of a couple both must qualify) Have assets of less than $25,000 for a single applicant and $45,000 for a couple (not including personal items such as a vehicle or furniture) but including the value of any major asset sold with 5 years of applying Have an annual income of less than $25,000 for a single applicant and $45,000 for a couple. This includes all wages, income derived from a family trust, overseas benefit or a private superannuation scheme Be in need of long-term accommodation Demonstrate the ability to live independently Provide evidence of a good tenant history and/or credit rating Please note: Tenancy reviews will be carried out every two years to ensure existing tenants still meet the means tested criteria under this policy in order to remain in Council housing Rentals will be provided on a single tier system and reviewed and adjusted annually

case of a couple both must qualify) The bulk of an applicant s income to be from a permanent New Zealand/overseas benefit Be retired from full time work (in the case of a couple both must qualify)

5 What you will need to provide Once your application has been completed in full and all the relevant information has been provided you will be contacted for an interview. You will then be notified accordingly once your application has been processed. If you are successful you will be added to our waiting list. Please ensure ALL of the following documentation is submitted with your application otherwise any incomplete applications will be returned to you: Confirmation of all income including your WINZ benefit status and entitlements, any income from a superannuation scheme, a family trust or overseas benefits Confirmation of all assets, excluding furniture, car and personal items. Supporting documents are required for any property sold within the last 5 years, eg a copy of the final settlement statement A confidential medical certificate for each applicant A recent landlord reference/and or credit check Confirmation of existing accommodation/rental costs Evidence of date of birth, eg birth certificate or passport PLEASE REMEMBER TO HAVE YOUR APPLICATION FORM SIGNED IN FRONT OF A SOLICITOR, JP OR DUTY REGISTRAR hamilton.co.nz/housing

Please ensure ALL of the following documentation is submitted with your application otherwise any incomplete applications will be returned to you: Confirmation of all income including your WINZ

6 Do I have to pay a bond? Yes, we require 3 week s rent as bond. This is deposited with Tenancy Services where it will be held until you vacate your unit. This will be returned to you providing your rent is up to date and the unit is left clean and tidy. How expensive are the units? Hamilton City Council aims to keep the units as affordable as possible. Rents will be reviewed from time to time, please contact us for our current rates. We require two week s rent to be paid in advance in addition to the bond. WINZ may be able to offer you financial assistance with this. Am I able to transfer once I am housed? Council will only approve a transfer for medical reasons. A request must be made in writing and supported with a medical certificate or letter from your doctor.

Hamilton City Council aims to keep the units as affordable as possible. Rents will be reviewed from time to time, please contact us for our current rates.

7 How do I apply for a Council unit? If you have not already received an application form: - call us on (07) and we will post one to you ; - download from - pop in and collect from the Property office, Hamilton City Council building, Garden Place, Hamilton What does living in a Hamilton City Council unit mean for you? You will be charged an affordable rent There is privacy and independence Contact with Council Housing Staff You have the security and companionship of close neighbours Your lawns and Council gardens are regularly maintained. There is also a small garden designated to the flat that you will be responsible for External security lighting is provided at most of the complexes Council will make any necessary repairs to the unit. Urgent maintenance will be carried out as soon as possible Council will ensure the unit is clean, safe and in good condition before you move in We will give you 48 hours notice before an inspection is carried out In some complexes you will be able to participate and benefit from an active neighbourhood support group Building insurance and rates are paid by the Council. hamilton.co.nz/housing

You will be charged an affordable rent There is privacy and independence Contact with Council Housing Staff You have the security and companionship of close neighbours Your lawns and Council gardens

8 What are my responsibilities when living in a Council unit? Your rent must be paid on the due date and be 2 weeks in advance (You can pay by redirection from WINZ or by automatic payment from your bank) The unit must be kept clean, tidy and maintain all appliances in good working order You must advise the landlord as soon as repairs are needed You may not renovate, alter or add to the premises without landlord permission You must keep the garden tidy and do not develop any new garden areas without landlord permission Pay your own electric, gas and telephone bills Replace your light bulbs and batteries in your smoke alarms You are responsible for insuring your own furniture and belongings You must request permission from the landlord for visitors or family to stay.

appliances in good working order You must advise the landlord as soon as repairs are needed You may not renovate, alter or add to the premises without landlord permission You must keep the

9 Am I allowed pets in the unit? Cats are allowed but only with written permission from the landlord and they must be desexed Please note that tenants have the sole responsibility for their pets Dogs are not permitted - except for certified guide dogs. What s included in the units? A stove, heater, carpet and vinyl in the service areas. Curtains are to be provided by tenants. Curtain tracks are supplied by Council in the lounge and bedroom. Will there be car parking available? There is limited car parking available at most of our complexes and is for tenants use only. Parking spaces are not included as part of the tenancy agreement and are not allocated to specific units. Three of the complexes do have carports, these will be allocated by staff and an extra cost will be charged to the tenant. hamilton.co.nz/housing

certified guide dogs. What s included in the units? A stove, heater, carpet and vinyl in the service areas. Curtains are to be provided by tenants.

10 Finally.. It is important to keep us updated with any change of address or telephone numbers. Any applicants who cannot be contacted will have their applications withdrawn. Any non-english speaking applicants must supply us with two names and addresses of support people who can assist them throughout their tenancy with us. Hamilton City Council reserves the right to ask for any further information should we require it and to decline any application. If you require any further information or assistance please contact Hamilton City Council on (07) and ask to speak with one of our Housing Officers who will be happy to assist.

Any non-english speaking applicants must supply us with two names and addresses of support people who can assist them throughout their tenancy with us.

11 We look forward to hearing from you soon.

12 Housing Services Team 1st Floor Hamilton City Council Garden Place Hamilton, 3204 phone: fax: Website: hamilton.co.nz/housing

838 6610 fax: 07 838 6612 email: housing.

City Housing Eligibility & Application

City Housing City Housing Eligibility & Application Name of Applicant: Process Complete the application form. Attach the following documents: (Refer to page 3 for more details) Income Details Proof of