In 2024, there were over 119,000 community housing dwellings in Australia. This type of social housing provides safe, affordable, and long-term rental accommodation for tenants on low to moderate incomes or with specific home needs.

Owned and managed by registered Community Housing Providers, it supports people who may be priced out of the private rental market. As our housing crisis deepens, these homes are more vital now than ever.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key things to know about community housing in Australia, including the different types of housing available, who’s eligible, how to apply, what rent costs, and what to expect as a tenant.

What is a community housing provider, and how do I find one?

A community housing provider is a not-for-profit organisation that offers affordable rental housing to people on low incomes or experiencing housing stress.

These providers are registered and regulated by state or territory governments to ensure they meet national standards for tenancy management, property maintenance, and governance.

Many community housing providers support specific groups such as people with a disability, women escaping domestic violence, single adults, older Australians, or those at risk of homelessness.

To find a community housing provider near you, visit your state or territory’s housing authority website or check the National Regulatory System for Community Housing (NRSCH) register, which lists approved providers, like Home In Place, across Australia.

Types of community housing in Australia

Community housing in Australia encompasses a range of accommodation types designed to support people at different stages of housing need.

These include crisis accommodation, transitional housing, and long-term housing.

Each model is designed to provide safe, secure, and affordable housing while connecting tenants with appropriate support services.

Let’s take a closer look at each type.

Crisis housing

Crisis housing, also known as emergency or temporary accommodation, provides a short-term home for people facing immediate homelessness or unsafe living situations.

It’s designed to provide a secure and stable environment while individuals or families address urgent issues with the help of professional support services.

People accessing crisis housing are often experiencing sudden and severe housing stress. This may include women and children escaping domestic violence, rough sleepers, or individuals leaving institutional care, such as hospitals or prisons.

Stays in crisis housing are typically brief—ranging from a few days to several weeks—depending on the person’s circumstances and the availability of more stable housing options.

The primary goal of crisis housing is to give people breathing space. During this time, support workers help tenants identify long-term solutions, whether that involves applying for transitional housing, social housing, or returning to the private rental market when possible.

Transitional housing

Transitional housing is medium-term accommodation that helps people move from crisis situations into stable housing.

It offers a crucial stepping stone for those who need to stabilise their circumstances before moving on to a long-term home, whether in the private market or social housing.

Tenants in transitional housing typically stay between three and eighteen months, depending on their needs and progress. Rent is income-based and remains affordable throughout the tenancy.

During this period, individuals and families are supported by external agencies that work in partnership with housing providers. These support services focus on helping people stabilise their income, address health or personal issues, reconnect with family, or prepare for private rental or community housing.

The emphasis is always on empowering tenants to build the skills and confidence required for greater independence.

Long-term rental housing

General community housing provides secure and affordable rental homes for people on low to moderate incomes.

This is the most common type of community housing and is usually delivered under government-funded housing programs in partnership with registered community housing providers like Home In Place.

Unlike crisis or transitional accommodation, general community housing is designed to be stable and ongoing. Tenants have the same rights and responsibilities as private renters under the Residential Tenancies Act in their state or territory.

This vital housing revolves around creating secure, inclusive communities where tenants are treated with respect and supported to thrive.

Who is eligible to live in community housing?

Community housing is designed to assist those who cannot afford or access private rental housing. While the exact criteria vary slightly by state or territory, you’re generally eligible if you:

  • Are an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
  • Live in the state or territory where you are applying.
  • Are over 18 years old.
  • Earn a low or moderate income (thresholds are published by each housing authority).
  • Do not own or partly own property that you could reasonably live in.

Among those who qualify, priority access is typically given to:

  • People with disabilities or long-term health issues.
  • Women and children escaping domestic or family violence.
  • Older Australians on the age pension.
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
  • Individuals who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

For the most accurate and up-to-date eligibility requirements, please check with your state or territory housing department.

How to apply for community housing in your area

You can apply for community housing online or by filling out a paper form. Applications are managed by the relevant government department in your region:

Note that you will need to provide proof of identity, residency status and income.

Once your application has been submitted, the length of time you’ll have to wait before securing a home in community housing depends on factors such as:

  • The availability of suitable housing in your preferred area and how frequently properties become vacant.
  • Any specific requirements you have, such as needing a modified or accessible property, that may increase the waiting period.
  • How many other applicants are already on the waiting list.
  • Whether other applicants qualify for Priority Access due to urgent or complex needs.

Remember to keep your details up to date. If your circumstances change, you should notify the housing department to avoid delays in your application.

How much rent will I pay for community housing?

In Australia, community housing tenants tend to pay 25% to 30% of their total gross household income as rent. Importantly, this rate only applies to very low-income households.

In addition to the capped rent, tenants may be eligible for Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA), which is paid directly to the community housing provider to further reduce the tenant’s out-of-pocket cost.

At Home in Place, we conduct regular rent reviews, and tenants must report any changes to their income or household composition within 14 days. Failing to report changes may result in backdated rent charges. Tenants may also be asked to provide income evidence during reviews or audits.

That way, we can ensure your rent remains fair, affordable and reflective of your current financial circumstances.

What to expect during a community housing tenancy

When you move into community housing, you’ll enter into a residential rental agreement, just like in the private rental market.

This legal document outlines your rights and responsibilities, as well as those of the community housing provider, who acts as your landlord. It covers important details like rent payments, property maintenance, notice periods, and how to end your tenancy.

Once you’ve moved in, community housing tenancies are stable and often long-term. In most cases, you can stay in your home as long as your housing needs and financial situation align with eligibility criteria.

Here’s what you can expect from a community housing provider like Home in Place:

  • A fair and affordable rent, reviewed regularly in line with your income and applicable housing program.
  • Responsive property maintenance and repair services.
  • Access to support services, such as referrals to health, education, or employment programs, if you are facing challenges.
  • Clear communication, including advance notice for inspections, reviews, or policy updates.
  • Policies are designed to sustain your tenancy, rather than end it wherever possible.

In turn, you will be expected to:

  • Pay rent on time and in full.
  • Promptly notify your housing provider of any changes to income, household members, or contact details.
  • Look after your home and report any maintenance issues.
  • Cooperate with inspections, rent reviews, and other tenancy processes.
  • Treat staff, neighbours and the community respectfully.

At Home in Place, we strive to support stable and sustainable housing. If issues arise, we will work with you to find a solution wherever possible before pursuing any formal action.

Learn more about our community housing tenancy policies in NSW and Queensland.

Find community housing across Australia

At Home in Place, we provide community housing for over 5,600 tenants across Queensland, Western Australia, Victoria and New South Wales. Our dedicated team works alongside tenants to help them maintain their homes and achieve their personal goals.
This includes connecting residents with support services in areas like health, employment, training, and skills development, depending on individual needs. In some of our housing communities, tenants also enjoy access to shared gardens, community hubs, and local events that help bring neighbours together.

We also believe that tenants should have a say in how their housing services are delivered. Through our tenant reference groups, residents can share feedback and help shape a stronger, more inclusive community housing experience.

To learn more, please get in touch with Home in Place today.

You may also be interested in…