Community housing
What is community housing?
Just like public housing, community housing is long-term rental housing available to people who face challenges that make it difficult to secure safe and suitable housing in the private rental market.
The main difference is that community housing is managed by not-for-profit community housing organisations, whereas public housing is managed by the state government.
Renters who live in community housing have the same rights as public housing renters under the Residential Tenancies Act (1997).
Who are community housing organisations?
Community housing organisations are not-for-profit agencies that own and manage housing for people on low – moderate incomes.
As not-for-profit companies, community housing organisations invest the rent they collect back into maintaining homes and providing more housing for Victorians.
They offer more than just a place to live. Renters are encouraged to be involved in decision-making that affects their homes and communities.
Some community housing organisations specialise in helping specific groups, like people with a disability, people with complex mental health needs, women, and older people.
They may offer additional supports for these cohorts, such as:
- Housing with onsite mental health support
- Housing that caters to people who are victim/survivors of family violence
- Housing managed by and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
The Community Housing Industry Association Victoria is the peak industry body for the community housing sector. You can visit their website for more information.
How is community housing regulated?
For community housing organisations to receive most types of state government funding, they must be registered with the Victorian Housing Registrar.
The Registrar ensures community housing organisations provide high-quality homes and take care of their renters.
Some of the performance standards for registered community housing organisations include:
- Calculating rent fairly and transparently
- Providing access to support for renters with complex needs which includes
- Using eviction as a last resort.
For a list of registered housing organisations or for more information see the Housing Registrar website.