About community housing
Community housing is secure, affordable rental housing for people on very low to moderate incomes, who have a housing need. To learn more about community housing, including:
- what it is
- who is eligible for it
- types of community housing providers
- how community housing providers are regulated
visit About community housing.
Community housing tenants’ rights
Community housing providers for social housing will have a lease with the tenant under the Residential Tenancies Act 2010. The lease will outline:
- the rights and responsibilities of the landlord
- the rights and responsibilities of the tenant according to the law.
For more information, visit Your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.
Community housing rent
CHPs in NSW must follow the NSW Community Housing Rent Policy when setting their rent policies.
Rents for community housing tenants are 25 to 30% of a tenant's assessable income. For more information on this, visit Help paying the rent.
Community housing providers can also help people on moderate incomes. They can offer them affordable housing options. The rent for affordable housing properties may be higher than 25%. This depends on the tenant’s individual financial circumstances.
Repairs and maintenance
CHPs are responsible for the repairs and maintenance of the property. This includes organising emergency repairs. For more information, visit Getting repairs done with your community housing provider.
Rehousing community housing tenants
Tenants can apply to their community housing provider if they want to move to a different place.
What if something goes wrong with a community housing provider?
DCJ monitors the performance of community housing providers. This helps ensure they continue to provide quality services to tenants. CHPs are also subject to an independent regulatory system. This system helps ensure a high standard of service as well.
If a community housing provider does not follow the regulatory code:
- they can lose their registration status
- Homes NSW can appoint a new provider to manage the properties to protect the rights of tenants.
Making a complaint about a community housing provider
If you have a complaint about a community housing provider, the first step is to contact them. You can do this in person, in writing or by telephone. They must make information about their internal complaints processes accessible to you. Follow these processes to make a complaint.
How can tenants get involved?
Different community housing providers have different approaches to tenant participation. Visit Get involved with your community to learn more.