A Community Housing Provider (CHP) is an organisation, typically a not-for-profit, that provides affordable and secure rental housing to individuals and families on low to moderate incomes. They operate and manage the developments, providing support services such as tenancy financial counselling, and social services to help tenants maintain stable housing. CHPs are regulated to ensure they meet certain standards and provide good quality housing and services.

They carefully select the tenants, manage lease agreements and provide a proactive role in managing the apartments in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 (RTA). In some instances, CHPs even provide onsite offices to work directly with tenants.

This approach is widely used in other states and is recognised by the Federal Government as an effective model for increasing the supply of community housing. They are appointed either by DevelopmentWA or The Department of Communities, depending on which agency or department is responsible for the development.

Affordable and social housing is needed now more than ever to support the growing number of people who are struggling with the rising cost of living and finding suitable, affordable homes.

This housing is a vital part of building diverse and vibrant communities, bringing together individuals, families, seniors, and essential workers, creating a vibrant and welcoming neighbourhood for everyone. 

Affordable housing provides a stable long term rental option for people in our community on low to moderate incomes. This includes key workers who are essential to delivering services. This might include your favourite barista who knows your coffee order, bus driver, dental hygienist, the enrolled nurse at your local hospital, hairdresser, barber or childcare workers.

Social housing is rental housing for very low to low-income households, provided by the WA Government (public housing) or community housing providers (CHPs). It’s offered at below-market rates, with rent typically set at 25 per cent of gross household income.  Tenants are allocated through the Department of Communities ‘Public Housing Waitlist’ or the ‘Joint Waitlist’.

Most residents appreciate the housing assistance they receive, treat their homes with respect and care, and make great neighbours who contribute positively to their communities. 

There will be no difference in terms of the size, quality and fit out of the apartments. There will be a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments in each development.

From a rental perspective, social housing residents pay no more than 25% of their household assessable income, plus any Commonwealth Rent Assistance. To be placed on the social housing waitlist residents must meet stipulated eligibility criteria, with the process administered by the Department of Communities.

An affordable housing resident pays a maximum of 74.9% of the market rental rate.  To be eligible for affordable rental accommodation under the Housing Australia Future Fund program, residents need to meet defined income thresholds as set by the Federal Government.

As each location is unique, these apartment developments have each been architecturally designed, including the landscaping, to integrate with their surrounding area. All apartment buildings have been designed to achieve a 7-star NatHERS rating for energy efficiency and to a silver livable standard, to ensure each development is accessible and adaptable to meet residents changing needs, including older residents as well as those with disabilities.

For a safer, vibrant and welcoming community environment, the developments have been designed using Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles to include lighting, natural surveillance measures and landscaping, along with external facing balconies.  DevelopmentWA’s social and affordable housing developments go beyond housing – they’re designed to create sustainable, well-connected communities where people can live, work, and thrive.

This housing is a vital part of building diverse and vibrant communities, bringing together individuals, families, seniors, and essential workers, creating a vibrant and welcoming neighbourhood for everyone. 

Affordable housing offers a stable, long-term rental option for individuals and families on low to moderate incomes. This includes key workers who play essential roles in our community, such as your favourite barista, enrolled nurse, hairdresser or childcare worker.

We understand that new affordable and social housing can sometimes raise concerns and questions from neighbours. However, affordable and social housing provides a stable long term rental option for lower paid people in our community. Having a safe and secure place to call home allows them to focus on their health, families, well-being, education and careers .

Most residents appreciate the housing assistance they receive, treat their homes with respect and care, and make great neighbours who contribute positively to their communities.