Public housing tenants on holidays could go to bottom of waiting list
HOLIDAYING public housing tenants could find themselves back at the bottom of the waiting list if they spend too long away from their taxpayer-funded homes.
Housing Minister Tim Mander has revealed he is planning to overhaul the current rules which he says allow tenants to take “getaways” of up to 12 months yet still retain their tenancy while more than 20,000 households currently sit on the waiting list.
Figures show more than 1360 public housing tenants left their homes vacant for between three and 12 months in the last five years including 285 last financial year.
Of the 285 extended absences last year, those tenants left their house vacant an average of 171 days each.
Mr Mander described the situation as absurd.
Please return here to post your comment: