Community Housing

Community Housing is, for the most part managed by community based organisations, local councils, registered charities and local church groups. This include housing co-operatives and associations.

Benefits of Community Housing?

  • Community Housing is affordable and provides safe and secure tenancies;
  • Community Housing organisations must comply with the provisions of the Residential Tenancy Act 1997;
  • Community Housing gives you a greater say in how your housing is managed - most organisations seek ideas and input from their tenants;
  • Community Housing is part of your community; and
  • Community Housing provides an alternative affordable housing option as most Community Housing organisations charge rent based on household income. The rent is usually less than 30 per cent of a household's gross income.

Information about tenants' rights under this Act can be obtained from the Tenants Union of Tasmania on 1300 652 641.

In Tasmania, there are approximately 1,000 homes provided by over fifty different organisations. About half of the homes are funded by Housing Tasmania and are for people on low to moderate incomes who meet broad public housing eligibility criteria.

The majority of community housing providers house specific client groups such as older people and people with disabilities. About one third of providers are located in rural and regional areas and about half provide independent living units for older people. The majority are small organisations that provide between two and twenty homes. There is one medium sized Housing Association in Southern Tasmania managing around one hundred and fifty homes for people on low to moderate incomes: the Red Shield Housing Association, a program of The Salvation Army.

The two main types of organisations are:

  • Housing Associations: managed by a board or committee that may include tenants. Most Housing Associations are governed by the Associations Incorporation Act 1964,although a small number managed by aged care providers may come under the Retirement Villages Act 2004. Housing Associations are managed by a voluntary (i.e. they are not paid) board or committee of non-residents who are responsible for all aspects of governance relating to the organisation. These organisations tend to consult more broadly with tenants about their housing and the board or committee may include a tenant representative.
  • Housing Co-operatives: managed entirely by tenant members and are governed by the Co-operatives Act 1999. They are for people on low to moderate incomes and are managed entirely by tenant-members who take collective responsibility for all decisions relating to tenancy and property management. Prospective members must meet eligibility requirements and there is usually a trial period before new tenants are accepted as full members.

For further information

Each organisation has different application processes. Usually you will need to complete an application form and someone will talk to you about your current circumstances and needs.

The ADCIS Directory is the most comprehensive source of information about community housing for older people and people with disabilities*. The database has contact details for prospective tenants.

Contact details for ADCIS are:

1 St John's Ave

New Town

Phone: 6228 5799

Email: directory@adcis.org.au

Website www.adcis.org.au

* When looking for community housing on ADCIS it is preferable to search under "units".

Contact details for Red Shield Housing Association are:

223 Macquarie Street

Hobart

Phone: 6223 8050

Email: RSHTasmania@AUS.salvationarmy.org

Who can I talk to?

For more information talk to your nearest Housing Tasmania Service Centre or the Community Partners Unit on (03) 6233 8456.