Affordable Housing

Affordable Housing is a government initiative to assist the needs of people on low to moderate incomes in the rental market. The rent setting on Affordable Housing properties is set below the standard market rent. The aim of the program is to assist people to be able to meet the basic living costs such as food, clothing, transport, medical expenses and education.

What is Affordable Housing?

Who is Eligible?

Applicants applying for Affordable Housing with Tharawal Housing Aboriginal Corporation must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Confirmation of Aboriginality
Be a resident of NSW
Be at least 18 years of age
Proof of Identity
Household income within the income eligibility limits
Not own any assets or property which could reasonably be expected to resolve housing needs
Be able to sustain a successful tenancy, without support or with appropriate support in place

Income Eligibility

There is no minimum income eligibility limit set for applicants applying for Affordable Housing, however applicants will not be considered for properties that are not affordable based on their total household income. The maximum household income limits is set out in the below tables.

Applicants earning above the below income limits will not be considered.

Table 1: Household income eligibility limits for affordable housing: 2021/22

Table 1: Household income eligibility limits for affordable housing: 2021/22
Sydney
Household members	Gross annual household income
Household members	Very Low	Low	Moderate
Single adult	$28,600	$45,700	$68,600
Each additional adult (18 years or over)	Add $14,300 to the income limit	Add $22,900 to the income limit	Add $34,300 to the income limit
Each additional child (under 18 years)	Add $8,600	Add $13,700	Add $20,600
New South Wales
Single adult	$25,400	$40,600	$60,900
Each additional adult (18 years or over)	Add $12,700 to the income limit	Add $20,300 to the income limit	Add $30,500 to the income limit
Each additional child (under 18 years)	Add $7,600	Add $12,200	Add $18,300

Table 2: Household income eligibility limits for Sydney region: 2021/22

Table 2: Household income eligibility limits for Sydney region: 2021/22
Household Type	Very Low	Low	Moderate
Single	$28,600	$45,700	$68,600
Single +1	$37,200	$59,400	$89,200
Single +2	$45,800	$73,100	$109,800
Single +3	$54,400	$86,800	$130,400
Single +4	$63,000	$100,500	$151,000
Couple	$42,900	$68,600	$102,900
Couple +1	$51,500	$82,300	$123,500
Couple +2	$60,100	$96,000	$144,100
Couple +3	$68,700	$109,700	$164,700
Couple +4	$77,300	$123,400	$185,300
These tables provide a quick reference guide to maximum income levels for a range of different household sizes and combinations. Table 2 is for households in the Sydney statistical district (as defined by ABS).

How To Apply?

Applicant/s need to complete an application for Affordable Housing and provide the below evidence.

Waiting list: Tharawal Housing Aboriginal Corporation does not maintain a waitlist. When an Affordable Housing properties become vacant the properties are advertised on realestate.com and the Tharawal Housing website.

Evidence Required

All applicants over the age of 18 are required to provide proof of all income sources, for example: Applicant or family members in receipt of Centrelink Income will need to provide 12 months payment history from Centrelink Applicant or family members in receipt of wages/ salary will need to provide 12 months’ pay slips or notice of tax assessment or a letter from their employer stating gross annual income for the last 12 months. Applicants or family members who are self-employed will need to provide profit and loss statement for the last 12 months

Proof of ID
Birth Certificate
Medicare Card
Drivers Licence
Health Care Card
Key Card

Proof of assets and/or debt:

3 Month Bank Statement
3 month of all Loan Repayment Statements

Current rent receipt:

Proof of recent rent receipts if applicable or a copy of Rental Tenancy Agreement OR details with landlord’s full name, address and phone number.
3 month of all Loan Repayment Statements

Additional documentation relating to program:

Confirmation of Aboriginality
Proof of connection to the area e.g. employment, family, connection to area

Rent Charged

Rent charged on properties is generally 74.9% of the market rent for the property. Rent can be paid weekly or fortnightly. Tenants will be advised of the weekly rent charge prior to accepting the property.

Rent reviews are undertaken on all properties annual.

Tenants will be advised of any rent increase.

Bond

Approved applicant/s will be required to pay 4 weeks market rent at the commencement of their tenancy agreement plus 2 weeks advance.

Water Charged

Tenants are responsible for paying water usage charges. Tenants will be invoiced quarterly and have 30 days to pay their account.

Housing Need

Applicants will need to demonstrate a need for Affordable Housing and be unable to resolve their housing needs in the medium to long term without assistance.

Some factors include but are not limited to; currently living in unaffordable and/or unsuitable housing or needing to relocate for employment or family reasons.

The number of people residing in the property that live must be appropriate to the size of the home.

How Long Can I Stay?

Applicants will be offered a 12 month fixed term tenancy agreement. At the end of the fixed term tenancy agreement tenants will be required to undergo an eligibility assessment to ensure they are still eligible for the program.

Providing the tenant/s meet eligibility requirements a new 12 month fixed term tenancy agreement will be offered.

Tenant/s will be required to undergo an eligibility assessment annually to remain in affordable housing. Tenant/s will be required to provide proof of their total household income. In circumstances where the tenant/s no longer meet the eligibility criteria a 3 month fixed term lease will be offered to the tenant/s to allow them time to find alternative accommodation.