Community housing providers

Social housing is the broad term, and community housing sits underneath it as one of two types. The other is public housing, run by the state government.

Community housing is owned or managed by not-for-profit providers, such as Home in Place, which receive government funding but operate independently of any government department. Revenue is reinvested into maintaining rental properties and creating new homes for those in need.

The practical difference for a tenant comes down to who holds the keys. With public housing, your landlord is a government agency. With community housing, it’s a registered not-for-profit like us, so you receive more direct, local support alongside your tenancy.

In general, community housing providers manage most affordable housing. However, affordable housing options are open to a broader range of household incomes than community housing, which requires stricter criteria before it can be accessed.

Note that while affordable rental housing is managed much like private properties, it involves specific eligibility criteria.

Community housing providers are organisations that provide homes for people with very low or low to moderate incomes, specific additional needs, such as disabilities, or difficult circumstances like domestic violence.

Providers in the community housing sector should be registered with the national regulatory body and continue to meet all requirements.

The two main types of community housing available at Home in Place are:

• Long-term community housing, which gives tenants an ongoing home along with wraparound support where it’s needed, whether that’s help connecting to local services, managing a tenancy, or working toward independence.
• Transitional and crisis housing, which covers short-term accommodation for people facing homelessness or an urgent housing need. It’s designed as a bridge, a safe place to land while a longer-term housing solution or support plan comes together.

Therefore, the most suitable type depends on your personal circumstances. When you apply, your situation will be assessed to determine the right housing, whether that’s a long-term lease or transitional support while things stabilise.

Community housing is designed to assist people who cannot afford or access private rental housing. While the precise criteria vary by state or territory, you are generally eligible if you:

• Are over 18 years old.
• Are an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
• Reside in the state or territory where you are applying.
• Earn a low to moderate income (thresholds are set by the relevant housing authority).
• Do not own or partly own property that you could reasonably live in.
• Are at risk of or already experiencing homelessness

Please check the relevant housing authority for your location for more specific eligibility requirements.

No. Typically, if you or your partner owns or has shares in property that could be a suitable alternative to social housing, you will not qualify for social housing.

This is assessed on whether or not you are able to either live in the property or sell your equity in the property.

Yes. You can apply for community housing online, by phone or by paper application through your state’s housing register.

Note that each state and territory uses one application for public and community housing combined.

In NSW, you must apply for community housing through Housing Pathways:

1. Submit your application online at nsw.gov.au or call the Housing Contact Centre on 1800 422 322.
2. Provide two proof-of-identity documents, including one primary document such as a birth certificate or driver’s licence.
3. Submit evidence of your income, assets and housing needs.
   Once approved, you’ll join the NSW Housing Register, ranked by your allocation zone, category and approval date.

In Queensland, you apply for community housing through your nearest Housing Service Centre:

1. Call your local Housing Service Centre to book an appointment, or complete the Application for Housing Assistance form if an appointment isn’t convenient.
2. Provide two valid proof-of-identity documents, with at least one a primary document.
3. Show evidence of your household income and assets.
4. Once your application is approved, you’ll join the housing register and get matched to available properties based on an assessment of your needs.

Specific waiting times for social housing vary depending on a number of factors, including whether you are applying as a general or priority applicant and the level of demand in your area.

You can check indicative waiting times for your location by using the relevant state or territory government housing tools for your region.

New South Wales (NSW)
Social housing expected waiting times (by allocation zone or suburb)

Victoria (VIC)
Victorian Housing Register (applications and waitlist information)

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Public housing waiting lists and average waiting times

Northern Territory (NT)
Public housing waiting list and allocations information

Tasmania (TAS)
Housing Connect social housing information and waitlist process

Queensland (QLD)
Eligibility, application process and social housing register

South Australia (SA)
Register for public and community housing (Housing Connect)
Direct Housing Connect portal

Western Australia (WA)
Public housing information, including how to apply and waiting list details

Tenants in community housing pay rent as they would in the private rental market; however, at a much lower rate. The rate charged can differ depending on the specific case of the tenant.

Community housing organisations like Home in Place can access government grants and funding to provide more services and increased access to housing supply through development and head leasing programs.

Most people living in community housing pay between 25% and 30% of their gross household income, plus 100% of any Commonwealth Rent Assistance they’re entitled to.

The exact figure depends on your income, household size, and which program your home falls under.

It is the tenant’s responsibility to notify the relevant parties within 21 days of any changes in their household. This includes:

• The number of people in the home
• Anyone staying regularly in the home
• Changes to household income
• If anyone in the household is self-employed or running their own business:
• Any assets, including savings, shares, and dividends the household owns
• Any property ownership or inheritance in the household
• Any lump sum payments received, such as workers’ compensation or insurance

For more information, please review the Affordable Housing Policy document on our policies page.

Replace with – If you are dissatisfied with a decision made by Home in Place, you may be able to request an internal review or lodge an appeal. This process helps ensure decisions are reviewed fairly, consistently and transparently.

Appeals must be submitted in writing and will be acknowledged once received. The issues raised will be carefully reviewed, and your appeal will be managed confidentially unless Home in Place is required by law or contractual obligations to disclose information. You also have the right to be supported by an advocate, support person or friend throughout the process.

If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the internal review, Home in Place can provide information about external agencies that may be able to assist.

Independent or government-run appeal and review services are also available in each state for eligible housing decisions.

For more information, refer to Home in Place’s Appeals and Internal Reviews Policy.