More time to plan for changes to your rent

Public housing rent is paid by people who live in public housing. The amount they pay is either no more than 25% of their household income or the market rent of the property - whichever is the lesser amount. 

This ensures a fair and sustainable public housing system and is very different to the private rental market that does not have this protection.

A market rent review is an assessment conducted once a year to adjust rents to ensure a fair and sustainable public housing system.

To give renters time to adjust to rent changes and apply for a rental rebate or financial hardship assistance, the new rent amount paid by public housing renters is being deferred until 24 November 2024 and will no longer take effect from 18 August 2024. 

This means that renters will now have more time to plan for these changes. 

All public housing renters will receive a formal letter in September 2024 to notify them of their new rent and the date of 24 November when rent changes will come into effect.  

Renters previously advised of a market rent decrease will have the decrease applied to what they pay in rent from 18 August 2024.

Renters advised of an increase will now have more time to adjust to changes which will commence from 24 November.

Every dollar that is generated from rent-goes back into making public housing better.

Rent is invested in things like maintenance, cleaning, security and the delivery of other important housing services for renters.

No public housing renter is expected to pay more than 25% of their household income on rent or the market rent of the property - whichever is the lesser amount.

If the market rent of a property is more than 25% of a household income, the household can apply for a rental rebate so that their rental costs remain affordable. Over time, the incomes of households living in public housing can increase due to changing circumstances and employment – however so long as they continue to meet income and asset eligibility rules, they are still entitled to stay in public housing and pay no more than 25% of their income as rent. 

All public housing renters are notified of rent reviews and outcomes.

Yes. Housing Vic Online Services is a safe and easy way for renters to manage housing information and services and is accessible through their myGov account. Renters are also able to access a range of other housing services via this online service, including making a rental payment, updating personal details, requesting a statement, receiving digital mail and updating household income.  

Get started using Housing Vic Online Services  

A range of supports are available for renters if they feel their rent is too high.  These include: 

• Rental rebate
• Hardship subsidy
• Financial counselling and wellbeing services

Renters can apply for a rental rebate by updating their household and income information using Housing Vic Online Services, or by submitting an Application for rental rebate via their local housing office. 

If renters are not eligible for a rental rebate and have extenuating circumstances that reduce their ability to meet existing financial obligations, they may be able to access a hardship subsidy.

All public housing renters also have access to a free and confidential financial counselling and wellbeing service.  
More information – including in-language information about renter support is provided in 2024 Rent Review – renter support.

If a renter believes their market rent amount is unfair, they can also seek an independent review conducted by Consumer Affairs Victoria or apply for an order directly through VCAT.