Housing & Accomodation

Rising housing costs and lack of accessible housing pose significant challenges, particularly for people on low incomes, those who are aged or have disabilities. To help address these issues, this section provides information and resources on a range of housing options and services.

• What are my housing options?
• General housing information
• Where can I find help with private rental /ownership?
• What is community housing?
• About public housing
• About shared supported accommodation
• Transitional Housing, Homelessness and Insecure Housing
• Assistance with Care and Housing for the Aged

What are my housing options?
A range of housing options are listed below.

• Aged Care Homes
• Retirement Villages
• Private rental/ownership issues
• Community Housing
• Public Housing
• Shared Supported Accommodation
• Transitional Housing
• Assistance with Care and Housing for the Aged

General housing information
We’ve listed some useful resources below that give an overview of housing options and issues.

• Office of Housing provides important information, resources and links on the following housing options: private rental/ownership, community housing, public housing, homelessness and housing services.
• Housing Options Unlocked is a useful guide to a range of housing options including: private rental, public housing, shared supported accommodation and housing services.
• Find out about housing concessions available to low-income households
• seniors.gov.au – Housing Options
• Victorian Council of Social Services - Housing (VCOSS) provides a strong voice representing issues of disadvantage to government. Housing is one of the key areas VCOSS represents.

• Centrelink – Support for Accommodation and Renting

Where can I find help with private rental/ownership?
Browse the following links on private rental/ownership issues:

• Victoria Legal Aid
• Tenants Union of Victoria - (03) 9411 1444

Provides information, advice, assistance and advocacy for tenants in Victoria.

• live in victoria

Provides information on renting or buying a property, rental property directories, the law and your rights.

What is community housing?
Community housing areas are subsidised by the state-government for people on low-incomes, such as those who are aged or who have disabilities. This form of housing is based on community support and self-help. Common Equity Housing Limited is a major provider of community housing.

About public housing
You can find out about public housing through the Office of Housing

About shared supported accommodation
You can find out about shared supported accommodation from the Department of Human Services: Disability Services.

Transitional Housing, Homelessness and Insecure Housing
If you do not have secure housing and connection to the community, you can contact the following supports:

• Crisis Accommodation Infoline - 1800 627 727
• Crisis Services and Transitional Housing (Office of Housing)
• Transitional Housing
• Hanover Welfare Services - provides accomodation and supportt services
• Homeless Person’s Legal Clinic (Victoria Legal Aid)

Assistance with Care and Housing for the Aged
Provides assistance for financially disadvantaged older people who are renting or who are homeless to access both community care and accommodation.

Find out more: Australian Department of Health and Ageing – Assistance with Care and Housing for the Aged.

Find a range of other low cost accommodation initiatives here.