FACT SHEET

What is Common Ground Canberra? Common Ground Canberra (CGC) was established to provide long term, high quality housing options for people on low incomes; and a solution for people who experience chronic homelessness. It does so through purpose-built accommodation which mixes people who have experienced homelessness (20 units) with people who are on low incomes who require affordable housing (20 units). CGC strives to create a strong, vibrant community through a commitment to social inclusion that is provided in a safe and supportive, diverse, harmonious and inclusive community. Argyle Community Housing is the Tenancy and Property Manager, and Northside Community Service will provide support services (where needed). For more information regarding the history and principles of Common Ground, please go to www.commongroundcanberra.org.au What accommodation is offered by Common Ground? The CGC facility is located in the vibrant town centre of Gungahlin. The six storey building includes 40 self-contained one bedroom units on the upper levels. Office space for the on-site support provider and tenancy manager, offices/rooms for other support services and areas to deliver group program and community activities are located on the ground level.

• Each unit includes a bathroom, kitchen, laundry facilities, and balcony. • The building is an innovative design in energy efficiency, with natural flow-through ventilation and double-glazed windows and doors. • The building is designed to promote tenant safety, with security card access and 24 hour concierge service on site. • Common area space on the ground floor will support a range of functions such as workshops, and meetings. A heavy duty shared kitchen will be large enough to prepare simple meals and refreshments for workshops or meetings, and will provide a venue for life skills training. A range of individual spaces have also been included to encourage TV viewing, reading or private conversation. • The outdoor area will provide a shared space to use as shaded seating/BBQ and outdoor eating and smoking area, and to promote group or individual tenant activities. The garden space will be landscaped and will incorporate an area for planting shrubs and growing food.

Housing & Community Services Locked Bag 3000 Belconnen ACT 2616 e [email protected] t 133 427 w www.communityservices.act.gov.au Page 1 of 4 VER:20150807 FACT SHEET This Fact Sheet is separated into information on the two groups of tenants: those applying through Argyle Community Housing seeking affordable rent, and those applying through Housing ACT who have experienced homelessness. Both groups are able to apply for a Rental bond Loan (please see end of this Fact Sheet). Applicants seeking affordable rental Argyle Community Housing (Argyle) is committed to delivering quality tenancy management. Argyle’s eligibility criteria is structured to assist in delivering the Common Ground mission of providing affordable housing for those on low to moderate incomes. To be eligible tenants must: • not own or part-own a house, unit or flat; • have Australian Citizenship or Permanent Residency; • have an eligible income. Maximum income levels apply depending on status: ie: up to $45,496 for a single person and $63,535 for a couple. Income limits are reviewed annually; • provide an employment history (minimum of 2 months pay slips), as well as proof of rental history (if applicable). Generally, the main applicant must receive income from regular employment and rental payments must not exceed 30% of the total household gross income; and • sign a tenancy agreement with Argyle, governed by the Residential Tenancies Act 1997. How much will it cost? Upon accepting an offer, applicants will be required to provide four weeks bond and two weeks advanced rent. Argyle Leases will be initially for a fixed period of (12) months. At the end of every 12 month period, the tenancy will be re-assessed for eligibility to continue. Generally, rent is set at 74.9% of the market rate, but will not be less than 25% of gross household income. How can I contact Argyle? If you would like more information on Affordable Housing at Common Ground Canberra, contact Argyle’s Canberra office: Phone: 02 6162 6800 E-mail: [email protected]

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Applicants who have experienced homelessness To be eligible for a property with Common Ground Canberra, formerly homeless applicants must meet the following criteria: • Housing ACT (HACT) eligibility criteria; and • The Common Ground Canberra (CGC) eligibility criteria.

The HACT eligibility criteria require that the applicant: • has Australian citizenship or permanent residency; • has lived in the ACT for at least the previous 6 months; • is aged 16 years or over (note: CGC requires a minimum age of 18 for eligibility); • does not exceed the income limits specified by HACT; • does not own assets in excess of the current assets limit; and • does not own or have an interest in real estate. Further details about eligibility criteria for HACT, including income and assets limits, may be found at www.communityservices.act.gov.au/hcs/policies/eligibility_for_public_housing_assistance

The CGC eligibility criteria require that the applicant is: • seeking housing assistance as a one- or two-person household, where each household member is aged 18 years or over; • willing to live in a self-contained apartment in a medium density environment; • willing to be assessed for suitability for the CGC model; and • homeless. All applicants will sign a tenancy agreement with Argyle, governed by the Residential Tenancies Act 1997. Allocation of Housing CGC will consider applicants in terms of their eligibility and their suitability for a given vacancy, as well as broader considerations of the optimal mix of tenants throughout the building. Availability of a Rental Bond Loan If you can’t afford to pay a bond, you may be able to apply for a bond loan. If you cannot afford to pay the bond yourself, you may be able to borrow the money from Housing ACT. This is known as a bond loan.

Housing & Community Services Locked Bag 3000 Belconnen ACT 2616 e [email protected] t 133 427 w www.communityservices.act.gov.au Page 3 of 4 VER:20150807 FACT SHEET The Rental Bond Loan scheme is to assist people on low to moderate incomes to rent suitable properties in the private sector. Rental properties must be within the ACT. Bond loans are interest-free loans to cover the cost of the bond. You can only use these loans for bonds, they cannot be used for rent in advance or moving costs. How will a Rental Bond Loan help me? If you are an eligible applicant you may be granted a loan of up to 90% of the bond required to rent privately in the ACT. The bond loan will be paid directly to the Office of Rental Bonds. Couples will be assessed jointly, both for general eligibility and capacity to repay any loan. If a loan is approved, both parties are equally responsible for repayment of the loan. The loan is re-payable to Housing ACT over a 20 month period with payments to be made by direct debit from the applicant’s bank account. You will need to start making your repayments no later than 3 months after the loan is granted. How do I apply for a Rental Bond Loan? You will need to obtain a Rental Bond Loan application kit from Gateway Services, Housing ACT. You will need to fill out the form and lodge the completed form at Gateway Services. Please ensure you provide details of your income, proof of identity, assets, contact telephone numbers and details on the intended rental property, including a copy of the lease or tenancy, or sublease or subtenancy for group/shared homes, weekly rent and amount of bond required.

For more assistance on Housing ACT matters, please telephone 133 427.

Accessibility The ACT Government is committed to making its information, services, events and venues, accessible to as many people as possible. If you have difficulty reading a standard printed document and would like to receive this publication in an alternative format – such as large print or audio – please telephone (02) 6205 0619. If English is not your first language and you require the translating and interpreting services – please telephone 131 450.

Housing & Community Services Locked Bag 3000 Belconnen ACT 2616 e [email protected] t 133 427 w www.communityservices.act.gov.au Page 4 of 4 VER:20150807