Changing a tenancy – Recognition as a tenant – Non Aboriginal spouses in Aboriginal Housing Office properties

Recognition as a tenant – Specific requirements for all clients except Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Island people or clients residing in an Aboriginal Housing Office property

1. Spouse or de facto partner 55 years of age or older

The client is the spouse or de facto partner of the tenant, they are 55 years of age or older, and they meet the eligibility criteria for social housing. However, they are not required to meet the income and asset eligibility criteria.

Where there are other household members residing with the spouse or de facto partner who is 55 years of age or older, the household is not required to meet income and asset eligibility for the purpose of assessment for Recognition as a tenant, however the household income and assets are considered for the purpose of assessment for subsidised rent.

For more information about the evidence requirements for a de facto partner, go to the Evidence Requirements for a De Facto Partner.

2. Other household members - including a spouse or de facto partner under 55 years of age

Homes NSW expects other household members including a spouse or de facto partner under 55 years of age, who are not eligible for the specific criteria for Recognition as a tenant set out above, to find alternative accommodation. This is most likely to be in the private rental sector.

Household members can apply for housing assistance, including social housing under Housing Pathways. They are expected to move out of public housing while they wait for allocation of a social housing tenancy from the NSW Housing Register. They can apply for housing assistance online, or by phone on 1800 422 322.

In exceptional circumstances Homes NSW may grant Recognition as a tenant to a household member. To be granted Recognition as a tenant and continue living in a property managed by Homes NSW , the client must demonstrate that they:

• meet the Common eligibility criteria for Recognition as a tenant, and
• are eligible for social housing, and
• have demonstrated they meet the criteria for priority housing assistance, including the requirement to demonstrate they are unable to meet their housing needs in the private rental market.

The existence of a Recognition as a tenant provisional lease does not deem the client ineligible for priority housing assistance. The client may still be in urgent need, and an appropriate assessment will be undertaken to determine if the client is able to resolve that need in the private rental market. For further information see the Eligibility for Social Housing policy.