Understanding rent, subsidies, and reviews

Homes NSW ensures public and Aboriginal Housing Office tenants pay an affordable rent. The base rent for all tenancies managed by Homes NSW is set at market rent. We regularly review property rents to match the private rental market.

When we review market rent, we consider if you:

• receive a rent subsidy
• pay market rent

Changes to your rent

Your rent may go up or down depending on the market rent. We review market rents every year to make sure they are up to date and compare to the private rental market.

As part of the review, we write to every tenant to inform them of the new market rent, including if it has gone up or down. The letter also tells you about the date from which the new market rent applies.

Receiving a rent subsidy

Your rent will not increase unless your market rent decreases below your current subsidy. In that case, you will pay the lower market rent.

Paying market rent

You will need to pay the new market rent unless you become eligible for a rent subsidy. Contact the Housing Response Centre on 1800 422 322 to see if you qualify.

How we review market rent

We set the market rent based on what similar properties in the private rental market are expected to charge. When we set market rent we consider:

• property type
• number of bedrooms
• location
• if there are garages or yards.

Rent may increase in some areas while decreasing in others.

Applying for a rent subsidy

You may qualify for a rent subsidy if you have a low to moderate income. The income limits for Homes NSW are updated each July.

1. Reach out to your local Homes NSW office to start your application.
2. You can fill out the rent subsidy application form online. A Client Service Officer can also send you the form electronically.
3. Since subsidies are based on total household income, you will need to submit proof of income for all household members.

If you are not eligible for a subsidy, you are considered able to afford market rent.

Additional support for Aboriginal Housing Office tenants

If you are a tenant or household member of the Aboriginal Housing Office, you may also need to apply for Commonwealth Rent Assistance through Centrelink. Contact the Centrelink Indigenous Call Centre to inform them of your new rent and complete a rent certificate.

Reviewing the decision

If you pay subsidised rent

If you pay a subsidised rent and believe the amount you pay is incorrect, or if you are no longer eligible for a rent subsidy, talk to your client service officer. If you’re still not satisfied, you can ask to have the decision reviewed by Homes NSW. For more information visit appeals and reviewing decisions.

If you pay market rent

If you pay the market rent and believe a market rent increase is too high, you can apply to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) within 30 days of receiving the notice. Visit the NCAT website for more information.