Cost of living relief for social housing tenants

8 July 2022

Community Housing Providers will receive relief from rent rises in the private market with an immediate $7.5 million funding boost to keep properties available for social housing tenants.

The additional investment from the NSW Government will be used to retain rental properties that are home to families in social housing who have not been affected by the rising private market rents.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the assistance will be welcomed in the regions and help community housing providers continue to provide stable accommodation for those who need it the most.

“This boost will ensure tenants in 500 properties across regional and rural NSW will be able to remain in their homes,” Mr Toole said.

“This will help keep communities together and make sure vulnerable people have a roof over their heads.”

Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Services Natasha Maclaren-Jones said the boost would ensure quality social housing continues to be available for those in need.

“We know the pandemic, floods and bushfires brought on cost of living pressures. That’s why this money is important, it makes a real difference and means that social housing tenants can continue to be accommodated in a challenging rental market,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.

“These additional funds will assist providers facing increases in rent and rental property shortages in the private market.

“More than 650 properties, including around 500 in regional NSW will be retained, ensuring providers can continue to provide stable accommodation for those who need it most.

“The regions include the Hunter, Central Coast, Mid North Coast, Southern NSW, North Coast, Illawarra Shoalhaven, New England, Western NSW and Murrumbidgee.”

The funding boost is in addition to the $86 million that community housing providers receive each year to fund leasing subsidies.

Currently, more than 5,900 leases are managed by these providers. An additional 1,750 properties are leased by providers to deliver short-term crisis and transitional housing for people who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.

Since 2000 the Community Housing Leasing Program has assisted thousands of people with private rental housing.