Eligibility for Affordable Housing mostly depends on household income - which must be within the maximum limits set by the NSW and/or Australian Government.

Other factors may also be considered when assessing eligibility, including:

• Australian citizenship or permanent residency
• whether the household would be able to secure suitable or adequate housing in the private rental market
• whether the household owns any assets (for example, a property) which they could be reasonably expected to use to solve their housing need.

Eligibility, including income limits, can vary depending on the way a property was funded or developed, and who manages it. Income eligibility limits set by the NSW Government are outlined in the NSW Affordable Housing Guidelines. Income eligibility limits on properties receiving National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS) funding are outlined on the DSS website.

Affordable Housing tenants generally enter into a lease for a fixed term and need to continue to meet the eligibility criteria throughout the duration of their tenancy. As long as they remain eligible for Affordable Housing, their lease may be renewed or continued for the duration of the program.

In NSW, Affordable Housing tenants generally receive a discount off market rent (between 20% and 25%). They are also charged 100% of their Commonwealth Rent Assistance entitlement.

In general, tenants should not pay any more than 25-30% of their gross income in rent.

Eligible people can apply for Affordable Housing in NSW by completing the Amélie Housing Affordable Housing Application Form.

Additionally, in NSW, many Affordable Housing vacancies are advertised online, including all of Amélie Housing’s Affordable housing vacancies. You can sign up to receive alerts for Affordable Housing properties in preferred locations that you may be eligible for, and apply for specific properties directly through the website.