Determining history of transience

A client may have difficulty finding a suitable property due to a history of transience.

Only moves when the client was required to move or had an acceptable reason for moving can be taken into account for the assessment of sustainability.

An acceptable need or requirement to move may include (but is not limited to):

• client has been asked to leave, evicted or given notice from their accommodation
• client had to leave their accommodation because they could not afford the rent
• property was unfit or lacked essential facilities
• client was in emergency or temporary accommodation
• client was staying with friends on a temporary basis
• client had to leave their accommodation due to a dispute with family members or a relationship breakdown
• client felt unsafe due to violence and threats of violence
• moved to give or receive support
• moved to receive medical or social support not available in the current location

Some moves are made for the usual reasons that all other members of a community decide to move house. A person moving for these types of reasons would not be considered transient. A move that would not be considered necessary may include (but is not limited to):

• wanted a change of scene
• wanted larger accommodation when overcrowding was not a factor
• wanted better facilities when accommodation met the client's minimum requirements
• landlord and tenant agree to end a fixed-term tenancy at its expiry
• wanted to move closer to family and friends when the move was not required for support
• moved to undertake education
• moved for training or employment reasons including seasonal employment