31.01.2013. Photo Wesley Lonergan. Crackdown on unauthorised public housing occupants
A CRACKDOWN to catch unauthorised public housing tenants is under way.
Housing NSW declared a two-month amnesty and Smithfield MP Andrew Rohan is urging tenants to declare additional occupants.
"It's illegal and unfair," he said.
"Tenants pay rent based on their household income. So by not declaring the additional occupants they are not paying their fair share."
"This affects the 5000 people in Fairfield LGA on the waiting list."
Minister for Family and Community Services Pru Goward said tenants who declared unauthorised occupants during the amnesty period would have their rent adjusted from the date of declaration.
"They will not be charged back rent," she said.
"However, tenants with undeclared occupants who do not take advantage of the amnesty will forfeit protection offered under the amnesty and risk being charged back rent.
"If you are doing the wrong thing, don't declare it and we catch you, you risk having to repay thousands of dollars and could face eviction."
She said the amnesty followed checks of 106 Housing NSW properties late last year, which found 14 cases of undeclared occupants.
Tenants can submit their declarations of additional occupants online.
"People can also provide a report to the 'dob in' line, which will be open 24/7, and can choose to remain anonymous," Ms Goward said as methods to stop the problem are stepped up.
The amnesty runs until March 17.
Housing NSW says there are more than 116,000 social housing properties across the state.
There are 3851 Housing NSW homes and 948 community housing properties in Fairfield.
Details: www.housing.nsw.gov.au or 1300 468 746.