Renting affordable housing

To apply for affordable housing, you can:

1. Look for current vacancies on the following websites:
   • Welcome Mat (a dedicated affordable housing platform)
   • Real Estate or Domain.com (general rental housing platforms with some affordable housing listings); or
2. Contact the CHP managing affordable housing directly.

Affordable housing is only available in some locations. Even if there is affordable housing in a location, there is no guarantee that a suitable property will be available so please contact the managers directly for further information.

You will need to apply separately to each manager in the locations you are interested in, just like you would if you were applying for a private rental property. You can apply to as many managers as you like and each application will be assessed separately according to the eligibility criteria.

Most managers ask you to complete an application form and provide documents to support your application. You will usually be asked to provide proof of Australian residency, identity, income, medical documents indicating any disabilities or serious health problems, rental history, personal references and other relevant information.

Your application will then be assessed for eligibility based on your information. The manager will let you know the outcome and if your application is successful. It’s important to note that completing an application form, or even being assessed as eligible, does not guarantee you an affordable housing property.

If there is no vacancy, you may be able to go on a waiting list, but these are not kept by all managers. If the manager you have applied to keeps a waiting list, it is important to keep them up-to-date with any changes to your contact details or circumstances, so they can contact you if a property becomes available.

For more information about affordable housing, or if you have a question, contact us at CAH@homes.nsw.gov.au.