Help finding an affordable rental
Find out how to apply for affordable rental housing if you're on a low to moderate income.
If you’re on a low to moderate income, you may be eligible for affordable rental housing.
Affordable rental housing includes homes in the private rental market and the community housing sector. These homes are offered for rent at a discounted rate.
Affordable rental housing is not the same as public housing. If you’re on a low income, you may also be able to apply for public housing.
In the ACT, most affordable rental housing is managed by community housing providers. They’ll set the rent in one of two ways:
- A discount on the current market rent. This is usually 20% to 25% below the market rent.
- A proportion of your household income. You may be charged up to 30% of your before tax income as rent.
You may also be charged 100% of any rent assistance you receive.
You’ll need to contact a community housing provider to check your eligibility and apply.
Check if you can apply
Different community housing providers may have different criteria. You’ll need to contact them to check if you meet their specific criteria.
The provider will let you know:
- if you’re eligible
- how to apply
- about current vacancies
- how they set the rent
- the lease arrangements
- if they keep waiting lists.
You’ll need to fill in an application form and provide documents to support your application. This may include:
- proof of Australian residency
- proof of identity
- your rental history
- evidence of your income, such as payslips.
Contact a community housing provider
These community housing providers provide affordable rental housing in the ACT:
- Argyle Community Housing Ltd
- CHC
- EchoRealty NSW & ACT Limited
- Environmental Collective Housing Organisation (ECHO)
- Homeground Real Estate Canberra
- Marymead CatholicCare Canberra & Goulburn
- Rentwell by YWCA Canberra
- Toora Women Inc.
- YWCA Canberra
Search for rental vacancies
Some community housing providers advertise current vacancies on property websites, such as:
The property will be advertised as affordable housing and will mention eligibility requirements. Check the listing for what to do next.
Other ways to find housing
Affordable rental housing is not the same as public housing. If you’re on a low income, you may be able to apply for both. Check if you can apply for public housing.
If you’re aged 65 years or over, check if you can apply for affordable housing for over 65s.
If you’d like to buy an affordable home visit help buying a home.
Contact us
Affordable Housing
If you need help or have questions, contact us.