Social Housing

Social housing is for people on very low to low incomes. It is available to people whose income and asset holdings meet certain criteria as defined by the Department of Communities (DoC).

Eligibility

Details of income eligibility for different housing types and household sizes can be found here.
Applicants must also meet the assets test and not hold assets over a certain amount. The DoC’s current asset limits are listed here.

Apply for Social Housing

Social Housing is allocated to applicants that are on the Department of Communities Joint Wait List for accommodation and have indicated that they wish to be considered for Community Housing. Application forms can be downloaded from their website. Alternatively, click here for more information about applying for the Department of Communities.

What is the Joint Wait List?

The Department of Communities manages a central list of applicants, which is shared by a number of housing providers including Foundation Housing.
To be listed on the Joint Wait List, you must apply directly to your local Department of Communities office and prove that you are an eligible applicant. They will automatically provide your details to Community Housing Organisations to be considered for a wider choice of housing unless you opt out of being put on the joint waitlist in your application.

Downloads

Factsheet – Waitlist (983 KB, pdf)

Foyer Oxford

Fully self-contained accommodation for young people between the ages of 16 and 25, including young parents and their children. Vacancies are allocated by Anglicare, not Foundation Housing.

Learn more

How much time do I have to decide if I want the property?

Once you are offered the property you will need to decide within 24 hours if you want to accept it. The move-in date will depend on what maintenance is required and when the previous tenant is vacating. This will be discussed with you after you view the property. To secure the property, we will require a bond to be paid within 3 days of offer acceptance.

Can I have pets?

You must ask us for permission first. Not all our properties are suitable for pets and not all types of animals are suitable for our properties. If we give permission for you to have a pet, you will need to pay a Pet Bond which goes towards the extra cleaning costs associated with the property if you leave.

How do I pay rent?

Rent can be paid in the following ways:

Centrepay Deductions – Your rent is paid directly to Foundation Housing from your Centrelink benefit.
Direct Debit – You can use internet banking or set up a direct debit from your bank account to pay your rent.
You can also make rent payments at your bank in person.

Payment Details

BSB: 086 006
Account Number: 84 376 7322
Account Name: Foundation Housing Ltd
Reference: Your PayBook ID/Tenant first name/Tenant surname.

How often would I pay rent?

Rent payments to Foundation Housing are due every 14 days. Your first payment will be charged on the day you sign your rental agreement so you will always be paying for the next 14 days in advance.

What if I am struggling to manage my tenancy?

We have a range of support options available to help people manage their tenancy. We provide this support directly, and also work with other agencies, depending on the issues. Please speak to your Housing Coordinator at any time if you feel you need help to manage your tenancy

When do I get the keys to the property?

You will be given keys on the day you sign your tenancy agreement.

How long is my lease period?

This will depend on the arrangements for your specific home. You will be told about the lease period when you are offered the property.

How is my rent assessed?

Rent is based on your household income, plus any CRA you are eligible for. Rent is charged at 25-30% of income. Utilities are a separate charge to the rent and are generally paid by you, direct to the utility company.

Am I eligible?

Applicants are eligible if they meet criteria as set by the DoC. Details of income eligibility for different housing types and household sizes can be found here.

Applicants must also meet the assets test and not hold assets over a certain amount. The DoC’s current asset limits are listed here.

I don’t have enough money to pay the bond, what do I do?

Government assistance is available for bond payments in certain circumstances. You will need to pay your bond before you sign the tenancy agreement. Your Housing Coordinator can explain about Government assistance for bond payments or visit https://www.housing.wa.gov.au/housingoptions/rentaloptions/ bondassistance for more information.