• Accommodation Options For Families
• ConnectED
• Housing Mental Health Pathways Program
• Intial Assessment And Planning
• Elizabeth Street Common Ground Supportive Housing
• Justice Housing Support
• Outreach Support
• Recreation programs
• Private Rental Access Program
• Private Rental Management Program
• Social Housing Advocacy And Support Program
• Melbourne Street to Home
• Tenancy And Property
• Integrated Family Violence Services For Men
• Support For Families At Risk Of Homelessness
• Youth Private Rental Access Program
• Private Rental Brokerage Program Northern

Youth Private Rental Access Program

Aim

The Youth Private Rental Access Program (YPRAP) is designed to help young people and young people with children establish or maintain private rental as a long term housing option. It assists young people who are already linked into a homelessness support service. The program is part of the Victorian Government initiative Creating Connections and is a partnership between The Salvation Army and HomeGround Services.

YPRAP has been designed in response to the additional barriers that young people who have experienced homelessness face when looking for private rental.

Eligibility

• Receiving ongoing case management in the Inner Middle South Region
• Aged 18-25
• Committed to obtaining and sustaining private rental
• Homeless or at risk of homelessness
• Receiving a stable income
• Capable of sustaining private rental once brokerage ceases

Access

The YPRAP application form must be filled out by a case manager and sent to the YPRAP worker at HomeGround Services, along with all documents included in the YPRAP application checklist. All forms can be found below.

For more information or to request a form contact the YPRAP worker at HomeGround on 9537 7711 or 0451 303 490.

More information

Forms

• YPRAP application checklist
• YPRAP application form
• Budget sheet
• Client consent form
• Acquittal guide and form

Guides

• YPRAP guidelines
• Roles and responsibilities
• YPRAP case manager guide
• YPRAP brochure

Application resources

• Inner and Middle South Local Government Area list

• Median rental rates

Other resources

There are many resources available with information relating to searching and maintaining private rental. Below are some resources that can be used to assist young people and Case Managers in searching for, transitioning into and maintaining Private Rental.

• Preparing the search for private rental - info sheet
• National Tenancy Database information sheet
• Request for rental history form
• Funding fact sheet

Open for inspection

Open for inspections can be a stressful time for clients, particularly if they are viewing a number of properties on one day. Going through a running sheet with a client so that they know exactly where and how to get to a property may be beneficial to alleviate anxiety. It is also useful to have the name of the Real Estate Agency and Property Managers name on hand as this will make introductions easier on arrival at the property.

• Open for inspection running sheet

Cover letter

Having a good cover letter is essential for successful applications, it is important to keep the letter brief, focus only on the positives and be creative! Below is an example cover letter which includes the sort of information that clients should be focusing on providing.

• Example cover letter

Centrepay

Centrepay is a free bill paying service available to those in receipt of Centrelink payments. It can be a good idea to assist your client with setting up Centrepay deductions so that paying bills is easy and allows for easy budgeting. 

• Centrepay form  

Housing establishment fund

It is important to remember that YPRAP money is complementary to the other funding that’s available to people entering private rental. Check with your local Transitional Housing Management (THM) to see if your client is eligible for Housing Establishment Fund (HEF) for two weeks rent in advance.

You can search for a list of your local THM providers on InfoXchange. Your local THM will be able to advise whether your client is HEF eligible.

Bonds

Most tenancies require tenants to pay a bond. You can find bond information below.

• Bond fact sheet
• Bond loan application form

Useful webpages

OOH Bond loan - income and asset limits
Income and asset limits: Office of Housing - Department of Human Services, Victoria, Australia

For tenants rights and responsibilities and other useful information including legal advice for tenants
Consumer Affairs Victoria - Renting

The Tenants Union of Victoria aims to inform and educate tenants about their rights, improve conditions for tenants, improve the status of tenants and represent the collective interests of tenants in law and policy making.
Tenants Union of Victoria

For information regarding rental affordability and median rental rates by suburb and Local Government Area
Rental report: Office of Housing - Department of Human Services, Victoria, Australia

For clients with rent arrears or other debts
Money Help – 1800 149 689
Or contact Consumer Affairs (1300 55 81 81) for the number of your nearest financial councilor.

Renting a home Audio guide
Consumer Affairs Victoria - Renting - Renting a home - a guide for tenants - audio guide