RESOURCES FOR COMMUNITY AGENCIES

This is arranged between the landlord and the tenant with assistance from the Community Agency.

HomeConnect recognizes that moving into a new home is extremely exciting. The key turn over should be done at a time that is agreeable to both the landlord and the tenant, but only after all rental unit inspections and HomeConnect documentation have been completed.

If a tenant takes possession of a rental unit without the necessary HomeConnect inspections and documentation in place there’s no guarantee that they will be covered under the program!

The HomeConnect process timeline varies based on a variety of factors.

• Landlord availability – all HomeConnect applications require individual landlord approval. This can take time depending on the landlord’s schedule.
• Tenant availability – HomeConnect requires the tenant to complete the necessary paperwork, view the rental, and complete all other required tasks with their support worker. These tasks can take varying amounts of time depending on tenant schedule, agency availability, number of tasks required to be completed.
• Funding and rental payments – Security deposits and rental payments must be arranged prior to move in. This timeline often depends on the other agencies and departments involved.
• EHSJ staff availability – All HomeConnect tenancies require unit inspections, tenant support plan discussion, and review and documentation of tenant demographics information. This timeline will vary depending on the coordination of these tasks.

HomeConnect process maps will help guide agency Support Workers, tenants, and landlords through the HomeConnect process.

HomeConnect aims to match tenants who require some level of additional support secure a safe, stable, affordable home. Every tenancy is different and assessed on a case-by-case basis. When considering if the HomeConnect program is a good fit for your client, consider the following:

• Has your client struggled in the rental market in the past?
• Does your client require the support of a Community Agency?
• Is there a Support Plan in place for your client that includes outreach services?
• Does your client agree to and understand the commitment of home visits from their Support Worker?

Note: Anything in the client’s past that could be a potential issue for tenant insurance, neighbours, landlords, or HomeConnect staff should be addressed in the Support Plan, and with HomeConnect staff to ensure the best fit for a long term tenancy. For example, if there is a history of arson, that may prohibit a tenancy within a multi-unit building.

HomeConnect is an online housing inventory bringing together landlords and tenants, supported by EHSJ and our housing and homeless-serving community partners.

HomeConnect creates successful tenancies by identifying and reducing barriers to housing stability and ensuring supports are in place.

Home Again Furniture Bank offers deliveries of gently-used furniture and some household items in the St. John’s Metro area.

This service requires a client referral from an agency that is a current member. Basic tenant information is required including address, contact info, door measurements, and items required.

More information can be found on the Home Again Furniture Bank website at https://homeagainfb.ca/

This should be discussed with the landlord. In some cases the previous tenant may have left the mailbox keys and information with the landlord when they moved out.

In other cases, it maybe necessary for the tenant to contact Canada Post to make a formal request for a community mailbox so that one can be assigned, and keys provided.

Canada Post can be contacted online by following the link below, or by phone at:

1-866-607-6301
Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 a.m.
Saturday and Sunday, 10:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Please note, unless a landlord has been provided with keys by a previous tenant they are not able to help resolve issues with community mailboxes. All inquiries about mail delivery to a community mailbox should be directed to Canada Post.

For more information on community mailboxes please visit the Canada Post website at https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/personal/receiving/manage-mail/community-mailbox.page

This is the responsibility of the tenant, with the assistance of the Community Agency or Support Worker unless otherwise stated in the lease agreement.

Most HomeConnect rental units DO NOT include utilities. When they are included, this is normally discussed and agreed upon ahead of time and is always documented in the rental agreements used under the HomeConnect program.

It should also be noted that if a tenant does not switch utilities into their name as agreed, any additional cost incurred by the landlord are considered rental arrears for the purposes of the Residential Tenancies Act. This can lead to a termination notice and eviction if not paid in a timely manner.

It is the responsibility of the tenant, with assistance from Community Agency or Support Worker to ensure proper filling of documentation with supporting agencies, as may be required. This includes rental agreements, direct deposit forms, Eastern Health rental assistance “top up” documentation, etc.

Under the Residential Tenancies Act a tenant is obligated to pay rent on time each month. Ensuring that the required documentation is submitted to any funding agencies as quickly as possible can avoid unnecessary delays.

It is the responsibility of the Community Agency or Support Worker to ensure proper filling of documentation with supporting agencies, as may be required. This includes rental agreements, direct deposit forms, Eastern Health rental assistance “top up” documentation, etc.

HomeConnect will provide the Support Worker with the landlord’s banking information and the Support Worker is responsible for ensuring this information is filed with the appropriate funding agencies such as Income Support, Eastern Health, etc.

The Support Worker should also educate their client on how to pay their rent if needed. Tenants and agencies should know the rent payment breakdown – how much rent is paid on what days of the month and from where. For example: Income Support pays rent direct deposit to landlord on the 1st and 16th of each month while Eastern Health pays rent amounts once per month.

Other assistance programs may vary in their payment schedule. Knowing the amounts of rent and what dates each month they are paid helps reduce confusion and frustration if the tenant ever falls into rental arrears.

Similarly, it is important for the tenant and the agency to know how to pay the landlord. This also reduces frustration and confusion in the event the tenant ever has to pay their own rent.

Under the Residential Tenancies Act a tenant is obligated to pay rent on time each month. Ensuring that the required documentation is submitted to any funding agencies as quickly as possible can avoid unnecessary delays.