Housing Support in Australia

Comprehensive guide to housing assistance, emergency accommodation, and tenant rights across Australia

Emergency Accommodation

Immediate Help Available 24/7

Emergency Accommodation Options

Rental Assistance Programs

Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA)

Eligibility: Recipients of Centrelink payments who pay rent

Maximum Rates (Fortnightly):

• Single, no children: Up to $389.40
• Couple, no children: Up to $366.80
• Single parent, 1-2 children: Up to $463.80
• Couple with children: Up to $436.40

How to Apply: Automatic with other Centrelink payments - report your rent amount

State-Based Rental Assistance

New South Wales

• Rentstart: Bond loans up to $8,000
• Tenancy Guarantee: For people without rental history
• Private Rental Brokerage: Help finding properties
• Contact: 1800 422 322

Victoria

• Bond Loan Scheme: Interest-free loans up to $3,000
• Rental Stress Support: Emergency payments
• Private Rental Access Program: Subsidies for vulnerable tenants
• Contact: 1800 827 020

Queensland

• Rental Grant: Up to $7,200 for bond/rent
• Housing Service Centre: Comprehensive support
• Contact: 1800 462 468

Western Australia

• Bond Assistance Loan: Up to $3,000 interest-free
• Private Rental Assistance: Help with applications
• Contact: 1300 137 677

South Australia

• Private Rental Assistance Program: Bonds and rent assistance
• Housing Connect: Central intake service
• Contact: 1300 065 906

Tasmania

• Private Rental Support Program: Financial assistance
• Housing Connect: Assessment and referral
• Contact: 1800 800 588

Tenant Rights and Responsibilities

Your Rights as a Tenant

✅ You have the right to:

• Quiet enjoyment of the property
• Reasonable notice before inspections (usually 7 days)
• Keep the property in reasonable repair
• Privacy and security
• Challenge unfair rent increases
• End tenancy with proper notice

Essential Documents

• Rental application: Complete honestly
• Lease agreement: Read carefully before signing
• Condition report: Document existing damage
• Bond receipt: Keep safe - you’ll need it back

Rent Increases and Disputes

Rent Increase Rules:

• Must give proper notice (usually 60-90 days depending on state)
• Can’t increase more than once per year
• Increase must be reasonable and in line with market rates

If You Disagree:

1. Research comparable properties
2. Negotiate with landlord/agent
3. Apply to state tribunal if needed

State Tenancy Tribunals

Public Housing and Social Housing

Public Housing Application

Who Can Apply:

• Australian citizens or permanent residents
• Meet income and asset limits
• Demonstrate housing need

Priority Categories:

1. Greatest Need: Homeless, domestic violence, health/disability
2. High Need: Overcrowded, unaffordable housing
3. Moderate Need: General housing stress

Application Process:

1. Contact local housing authority
2. Complete assessment
3. Provide supporting documentation
4. Join waiting list
5. Regular updates required

Community Housing Providers

Community housing offers an alternative to public housing:

• Often shorter waiting lists
• Variety of housing types
• Support services available
• Income-based rent (usually 25-30% of income)

Major Providers:

• Compass Housing Services
• Bridge Housing
• Community Housing Ltd
• Women’s Housing Company
• Aboriginal Housing Company

Housing Support Services

Financial Counseling

Free services to help with:

• Rental arrears
• Utility bills
• Debt management
• Budgeting skills

Contact: 1800 007 007 (National Debt Helpline)

Tenancy Advice Services

Free legal advice on:

• Lease agreements
• Dispute resolution
• Eviction proceedings
• Rent increases

State Services:

• NSW: Tenants’ Union (1800 251 101)
• VIC: Tenants Victoria (1800 068 463)
• QLD: Tenants Queensland (1300 744 263)
• WA: Tenancy WA (1800 621 888)

Multicultural Housing Services

Specialized support for:

• New migrants and refugees
• Language interpretation
• Cultural navigation
• Settlement services

Contact local multicultural service organizations

Preventing Homelessness

Early Warning Signs

• Behind on rent payments
• Relationship breakdown
• Job loss or reduced income
• Mental health challenges
• Substance use issues

Get Help Early

Don’t wait until crisis point:

1. Contact financial counselor (free service)
2. Apply for rental assistance immediately
3. Negotiate payment plan with landlord
4. Explore alternative housing options
5. Access support services in your area

Support Networks

Government Services:

• Centrelink: 132 850
• Housing departments (state-specific)
• Local councils

Community Organizations:

• Salvation Army: 1300 371 288
• St Vincent de Paul: Contact local conference
• Mission Australia: 02 9219 2000
• Anglicare: State-specific contacts

Resources by State and Territory

Quick Reference Numbers

Next Steps

If You Need Housing Now:

1. Call crisis line for your state
2. Contact local council housing services
3. Visit Centrelink for rental assistance
4. Reach out to community organizations

For Housing in Future:

1. Apply for public housing (long waiting lists)
2. Register with community housing providers
3. Build rental history through supportive housing
4. Access skills and employment programs
5. Save for bond through matched savings programs

Getting Professional Help:

• Housing workers: Assessment and advocacy
• Financial counselors: Money management
• Case managers: Coordinated support
• Legal services: Tenancy rights

Remember: Housing is a basic human right. Help is available, and you don’t have to navigate this alone.