Help for Public & Social Housing in NSW

Finding the right help can be crucial when navigating public and social housing issues in New South Wales (NSW). Understanding your rights and knowing where to seek assistance are vital steps in ensuring a stable rental experience. This guide provides you with key resources and advice on accessing public and social housing support within NSW.

Understanding Your Housing Rights

If you're living in public or community housing, you are protected under the Residential Tenancies Act 2010. This law outlines your responsibilities and those of your landlord, covering aspects like rent increases, eviction, and maintenance repairs.

Key Tenant Rights

• Fair Rent: Any rent increase must be in line with the terms agreed upon and reasonable.
• Maintenance and Repairs: Your landlord must ensure the property is well-maintained and promptly address repair requests.
• Eviction Notices: Tenants must be given proper notice according to the type and reason for eviction.

Where to Get Help

There are several organizations and resources available to assist NSW renters with social and public housing issues:

Housing NSW

As the primary agency for housing services in NSW, Housing NSW offers a wide range of support services, from housing applications to managing tenancies and addressing complaints.

Tenant Advocacy Services

Tenant advocacy services provide free and confidential advice for renters. These organizations help with understanding your rights, mediation, and sometimes legal support.

Legal Aid NSW

Legal Aid NSW offers advice and representation to eligible individuals facing legal issues, including housing disputes. They can assist with tribunal cases and provide resources on housing laws.

Dispute Resolution with NCAT

The New South Wales Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) is the main body that handles residential tenancy disputes. If you are unable to resolve an issue with your landlord, you can apply to NCAT for a binding resolution.

For more details on how to file an application, visit the NCAT website.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Tenants' Union NSW: Offers factsheets and legal advice for tenants.
• FACS Housing Services: Provides housing and support services.
• LawAccess NSW: Provides legal information and referrals.

---

1. What is NCAT? NCAT stands for the New South Wales Civil and Administrative Tribunal, which handles disputes between tenants and landlords.
2. How do I challenge a rent increase? You can dispute a rent increase by contacting tenant advocacy services or applying to NCAT if necessary.
3. Where can I get legal support? Legal Aid NSW offers legal advice and may provide assistance with housing issues.

1. How to file a dispute with NCAT
   1. Check your eligibility and gather necessary documents related to your tenancy issue.
   2. Visit the NCAT website and complete the online application form, ensuring all relevant details are included.
   3. Submit your application and attend the hearing as instructed.

• Always be aware of your rights under the Residential Tenancies Act 2010.
• Utilize available state resources for legal support or mediation.
• Consider applying to NCAT for unresolved disputes.

---

1. Tenants' Union NSW: Offers factsheets and legal advice for tenants.
2. FACS Housing Services: Provides housing and support services.
3. LawAccess NSW: Provides legal information and referrals.

---

1. What is NCAT? NCAT stands for the New South Wales Civil and Administrative Tribunal, which handles disputes between tenants and landlords.
2. How do I challenge a rent increase? You can dispute a rent increase by contacting tenant advocacy services or applying to NCAT if necessary.
3. Where can I get legal support? Legal Aid NSW offers legal advice and may provide assistance with housing issues.
1. How to file a dispute with NCAT
   1. Check your eligibility and gather necessary documents related to your tenancy issue.
   2. Visit the NCAT website and complete the online application form, ensuring all relevant details are included.
   3. Submit your application and attend the hearing as instructed.
• Always be aware of your rights under the Residential Tenancies Act 2010.
• Utilize available state resources for legal support or mediation.
• Consider applying to NCAT for unresolved disputes.

---

Categories

General Tenant Rights & Protections Tenancy Agreements & Renewals Rent, Bond & Holding Deposits Moving In & Condition Reports Ending a Tenancy & Moving Out Repairs, Maintenance & Urgent Issues Minimum Standards & Habitability Evictions & Breach Notices Co-Tenancies, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Equal Housing Access Disability Access & Reasonable Adjustments Utilities, Water & Internet Billing Public, Community & Social Housing Rent Increases & Rent Controls Privacy & Landlord Entry Rules Locks, Keys & Security Obligations Resolving Disputes & Tribunal Processes Harassment, Threats & Landlord Misconduct Boarding Houses, Rooming Houses & Lodgers Caravan Parks & Residential Parks Bond Refunds & Claims Notice Periods & Tenancy Termination Entry Condition Breaches & Compensation Tenant Advocacy & Legal Aid