Applying for social housing tenancy transfer

If you or a household member is at risk in your current home due to domestic violence, elder abuse, or child abuse, you may be eligible. Written proof from the police or community workers is required.

Social housing tenants living in properties larger than they need is called under occupancy. If you have more bedrooms than you need, you may be eligible for a transfer because of under occupancy. For more information on Homes NSW under occupancy transfers visit vacant bedroom charge. 

If a transfer will help manage an ongoing medical condition or disability of you or a household member. A health professional must complete a medical assessment form. You may also need to show  other relevant supporting documents.

If there is a serious breakdown in the household relationship, your housing provider may provide separate housing. You'll need to supply information about your situation, including proof of Family Payment or Youth Allowance if children are involved.

If your household is too large for your current home, you may be eligible for a larger property.

If you or your spouse has been offered a job in an impractical location, provide a letter from the employer. It should state that the job is long-term and include its start date. Seasonal or temporary work is not considered to be a reason for transfer based on employment.

If you need to move closer to personal support networks or special facilities, you’ll need to show that these requirements cannot be met where you are currently living.

If you had to leave your tenancy unexpectedly due to duress, residential care, or custody, you may apply for reinstatement with your housing provider within six months of vacating your tenancy. Supporting documents are required.

When your household is larger than the bedrooms available, but the situation isn’t severe, you may also qualify

If you request social housing in a high demand area, you will need to show that:

• the need to live in the area is significant and ongoing
• this need cannot be met by housing being provided in another allocation zone
• you are unable to travel to other locations to access services
• housing in that area is essential for your wellbeing or that of your household.

You may have a locational need because of:

• a chronic or severe medical condition
• disability
• access to support services
• access to culturally appropriate services or facilities
• educational needs
• affinity with the area
• employment opportunities
• need to move from an ‘at risk’ situation.

We will consider any medical information you provide. This will help us decide which properties might be suitable. If you have special housing requirements due to an ongoing medical condition, disability or permanent injury, you need to provide proof. This could be a medical assessment form, completed by a health professional or an occupational therapist’s report.

If your preferred location request for housing is declined, you will be offered housing in another area that meets your needs. Any special housing needs you have are taken into consideration.

Waiting times will vary depending on the area you have selected. See expected waiting times for more information.

If your transfer is approved for one of the following reasons it will be listed as a priority transfer on the NSW Housing Register:

• ‘at risk’
• under-occupancy (Homes NSW managed properties only)
• ongoing medical condition and/or disability
• serious and ongoing harassment
• employment
• compassionate grounds
• severe overcrowding
• family breakdown/separation
• tenancy re-instatement.