Assisted boarding houses
Defining what an assisted boarding house is, how they are regulated, and what Commonwealth support residents may qualify for.
Definition of an assisted boarding house
The Boarding Houses Act 2012 ('the Act') requires that all boarding houses register with NSW Fair Trading.
Boarding houses are to be registered as either:
- "assisted boarding houses" - boarding premises that accommodate 2 or more "persons with additional needs" for fee or reward, or
- "general boarding houses" - boarding premises that accommodate 5 or more people for "fee or reward".
For more information, see the NSW Licenced Assisted Boarding Houses Factsheet.
Legislation
Homes NSW regulates assisted boarding houses under:
Definition of 'a person with additional needs'
The Act defines a 'person with additional needs' as a person:
- with a permanent disability, mental illness or aged related frailty
- who requires support with their daily care and living tasks.
These tasks can include things like showering, preparing meals, or managing their medication. These conditions are permanent or likely to be permanent.
Funded supports for residents
An assisted boarding house resident will be eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) if they:
- are under 65 years of age when they make their application
- are an Australian Citizen or resident or permanent visa holder
- meet the disability or early intervention requirements.
An assisted boarding house resident will not be eligible for the NDIS if they are 65 years old and older.
If they are 65 or older, support may be available through the Commonwealth’s My Aged Care system.