Social Housing

Introduction

Social housing is housing provided by the NSW government for people with a low income. The rent is subsidised based on your income.

Community housing is social housing provided by a private housing provider.

Social housing tenants have the same rights and responsibilities as a private tenant in NSW.

Applying for social housing

If you want to apply for social housing, you need to:

• be over the age of 18 
• provide two proof of identity documents
• be a resident in NSW
• be an Australian citizen or have permanent residency
• have a household income within the eligibility limits
• not own any assets or property that can resolve your housing needs
• be able to keep a tenancy without support 
• be able to make repayments of any former debts to a social housing provider.

You can apply for housing assistance online or by phone.

For more information, see Apply for housing assistance on the NSW Communities & Justice website. 

Repairs and maintenance

Your housing provider must provide and maintain your home in a reasonable state of repair. You must notify your housing provider if there are any repairs that need to be done. Repairs must be done within a reasonable time. 

If your housing provider fails to attend to repairs, you can make an application to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) for an order.

Antisocial behaviour

Social housing providers take reports of antisocial behaviour seriously.

Antisocial behaviour is:

• harassment
• criminal and illegal activities
• behaviour that puts others at risk
• inappropriate behaviour by tenants, household occupants and visitors that cause deliberate or reckless damage to the property.

There are three categories of antisocial behaviour:

• Severe illegal behaviour – criminal activities or significant damage to the property.
• Serious antisocial behaviour – activities that severely disturb neighbours or place others at risk, or cause damage to the property.
• Minor and moderate antisocial behaviour – where the peace, comfort or privacy of other neighbours are affected. 

The housing provider may first issue a Warning Notice to a tenant if they have engaged in minor or moderate antisocial behaviour. 

The housing provider can issue Strike Notices. Tenants who receive three Strike Notices within 12 months can be evicted.

If the tenant engages in severe illegal behaviour, the housing provider can apply to NCAT to evict the tenant.

For more information, see Antisocial behaviour in public housing on the Communities & Justice website.