How it works

Step one

If a Shire or private investor indicates that they are interested in providing a dwelling for use by WACHS, our initial discussions will include:

  • Minimum specifications for dwellings used in the WACHS program
  • Leaseback model – Cost rent vs market rent locations
  • Initial feedback on demand and associated special requirements
  • Suitability of potential locations
  • Timeframes for completion of dwellings.

If the discussion results in an anticipated match, WACHS will ask the investor to provide the terms, conditions, timeframe and proposed address(es) of the dwelling(s).

Upon receipt, WACHS will discuss internally, and then advise the investor of our in principle acceptance of the proposed build(s).

NOTE: You may design and build the dwellings yourself provided you have the legal authority, or you can employ qualified professionals through your usual tendering/appointment processes.

Step two

Once accepted in principle by all parties, WACHS will invite the investor to provide a floor plan/layout of the proposed dwelling(s). The plan will be reviewed by WACHS to ensure that it meets all requirements and either:

  • Feedback will be provided for further review and resubmission of the plans; or,
  • Approval of the plans will be provided in writing.

Upon satisfactory review of the plan/layout, WACHS will send out a formal ‘Offer to Lease’ document to the investor so that an initial agreement to lease the proposed dwellings is established. The ‘Offer to Lease’ document will mention:

  • The term and rent of the proposed lease, and any provision for variation
  • Timeframe for signing and returning the ‘Offer to Lease’ document
  • Timeframe for the completion of the proposed dwelling(s)
  • Intention to sign a ‘Formal Lease’ once the dwellings have been built on WACHS specification, and been inspected satisfactorily by the WACHS team
  • Special conditions of the lease

Once the ‘Offer to Lease’ document is signed and returned, a legally binding agreement is established between WACHS and the investor to sign a ‘Formal Lease’ after the satisfactory completion and inspection of the dwellings to WACHS specifications. The ‘Formal Lease’ is a WACHS standard Residential Tenancy Agreement that has been drafted by WACHS to meet its operational needs. This is very similar to a private residential tenancy agreement, but with some differences to tailor it to WACHS requirements. A copy of the template ‘Formal Lease’ is attached here.

Step three

At this stage, the project will be handed over to a WACHS project manager, who will ensure that the completed dwelling(s) meet WACHS specifications.

The project manager will request a complete set of plans, layouts, specifications and drawings from the investor as and when these are available. Below is a list of the documents the project manager may ask for:

  1. Finalised site plan for the selected lot
  2. Finalised external elevation drawings showing all four sides of the house
  3. Finalised internal elevations for the kitchen, bathroom, ensuite and laundry
  4. Finalised floor plan
  5. Finalised electrical plan
  6. Finalised wardrobe, linen and broom cupboard details
  7. Any agreed variations from the WACHS design brief / specification.

These documents will be reviewed by WACHS, and any further modification/review would be requested by the project manager before the construction begins. This is to ensure that there are no disputes after construction has commenced or completed, ensuring the completed dwelling will meet WACHS requirements.

Step four

The project manager will liaise with the investor throughout the construction process and keep WACHS informed of the progress or any updates. Once the construction is completed, a joint inspection on the property will take place to verify that the completed dwelling(s) meets the specified WACHS requirements.

If any major defects are identified during this inspection, the investor will be required to repair this in consultation with the project manager prior to a further inspection. Please note that WACHS is unable to lease properties which do not meet the agreed specifications and accepted industry quality standard.

Upon satisfactory inspection, the dwelling(s) will be accepted and a ‘Formal Lease’ will be signed based on the conditions mentioned in the ‘Offer to Lease’ document. The lease will commence from the date the dwellings are ready to be occupied.

If you have any questions about the process, please contact the team. 

 
Last Updated: 04/10/2022