Fixed term leases and lease reviews

Fixed-term leases

A fixed-term lease is a tenancy agreement that runs for a set time.

Most new Homes NSW and Aboriginal Housing Office (properties managed by Homes NSW) are offered a fixed-term lease of 2, 5 or 10 years. When making our decision we think about your need for public housing. In some cases, we may offer you a fixed-term lease for three or six months.

If you're eligible for a 5 or 10-year lease, you will first be placed on a 12-month probationary lease.

For more information read the Types and Length of Lease policy, contact the Housing Response Centre on 1800 422 322.

12-month probationary lease review process

Before your 12 month probationary lease ends, we review whether you’re eligible for the rest of your assessed lease term. This can be a further four or nine years. You may be eligible if at the time of review if you have met the terms of your lease.

If you haven’t met the terms we may invite you to an interview to discuss your tenancy obligations. We may either extend your probationary lease or, in serious cases seek to end your tenancy under the Residential Tenancies Act 2010.

If we seek to end your tenancy, you will have the opportunity to voice your concerns at the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT).

For more information, visit notice to terminate you lease.

If you have trouble meeting your obligations under the tenancy agreement due to complex needs, we will refer you to support services. They can help you manage and keep your tenancy.

Fixed-term lease reviews

Before your two, five or 10 year lease ends, we review whether you are eligible to have your lease extended. There are many factors we consider before offering to extend your lease. These include household income, the age of household members, and any medical or disability needs.

You will receive a lease review survey before the end of your lease. You need to complete the survey and return it to us by the due date. After we update the information from the survey, we will write to you telling you the length of lease you will receive.

If you don’t return the lease review survey, we will do the review based on the information we have on file.

If you are not eligible for a further lease, we will ask you to move out by the end date of your lease. If you are moving into private housing, we will offer information and assistance to help you move.

Reviewing the decision

If you disagree with the decision we’ve made, talk to your client service officer. If you’re still not satisfied, you can ask to have the decision reviewed.

For more information visit appeals and reviewing decisions.