We’ll help you find safe, affordable housing and cover part of your rent for up to 36 months. This support is available in:
- Western Sydney District
- South Western Sydney District
- Hunter/New England District
- Illawarra District, and
- Murrumbidgee District.
If you live in another NSW location, contact your housing provider for more options.
Rent Choice Transition eligibility
You may be eligible for Rent Choice Transition if you are:
- a social housing tenant aged
- 18 or over
- within moderate income limits
- employed or working with an Opportunity Pathways provider
- able to show a good tenancy history
- committed to sustaining a private rental after the subsidy ends.
Income requirements
To receive Rent Choice Transition, you must be within the moderate income limits. This is based on your household size, type and total income.
We will use your income including any Commonwealth Rent Assistance to calculate the amount of your subsidy. We will do this even if you haven't applied for it or aren't receiving it.
For more information visit Rent Choice Policy.
Household income eligibility limits for Sydney region 2023/24:
| Household type | Very low | Low | Moderate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | $32,300 | $51,700 | $77,600 |
| Single + 1 | $42,000 | $67,200 | $100,900 |
| Single + 2 | $51,700 | $82,700 | $124,200 |
| Single + 3 | $61,400 | $98,200 | $147,500 |
| Single + 4 | $71,100 | $113,700 | $170,800 |
| Couple | $48,500 | $77,600 | $116,400 |
| Couple + 1 | $58,200 | $93,100 | $139,700 |
| Couple + 2 | $67,900 | $108,600 | $163,000 |
| Couple + 3 | $77,600 | $124,100 | $186,300 |
| Couple + 4 | $87,300 | $139,600 | $209,600 |
Household type Single Very low $32,300 Low $51,700 Moderate $77,600 |
Household type Single + 1 Very low $42,000 Low $67,200 Moderate $100,900 |
Household type Single + 2 Very low $51,700 Low $82,700 Moderate $124,200 |
Household type Single + 3 Very low $61,400 Low $98,200 Moderate $147,500 |
Household type Single + 4 Very low $71,100 Low $113,700 Moderate $170,800 |
Household type Couple Very low $48,500 Low $77,600 Moderate $116,400 |
Household type Couple + 1 Very low $58,200 Low $93,100 Moderate $139,700 |
Household type Couple + 2 Very low $67,900 Low $108,600 Moderate $163,000 |
Household type Couple + 3 Very low $77,600 Low $124,100 Moderate $186,300 |
Household type Couple + 4 Very low $87,300 Low $139,600 Moderate $209,600 |
Changes in your circumstances
You must let us know within 28 days if there are any changes to your circumstances. This includes changes in household members, household income, market rent, your address, or your landlord or real estate agent.
How the subsidy works
For the first 12 months, you’ll pay:
- 25% of your weekly household income, plus
- 100% of your Commonwealth Rent Assistance.
We’ll cover the rest (called the subsidy) and pay it directly to your landlord or real estate agent. After 12 months, your rent contribution will gradually increase, and we’ll guide you through the changes.
The subsidy can be paid for up to 36 months. Every three months, we will review your need for the subsidy and see if you need more support.
You might receive a bigger subsidy in certain areas where the rent is higher.
Additional support
You may also receive:
- Get Started: up to $850 to help pay for a holding deposit on a property and costs associated with searching for and securing private rental accommodation such as transport, clothing and haircuts and photocopying ID.
- Brokerage: to help pay for goods and services to set up a new home such as furniture, moving costs and study costs.
You can also apply for other types of private rental assistance, including:
- Tenancy Facilitation: help to search and apply for private rental properties.
- Private Rental Brokerage Service: help for eligible clients with complex needs to secure and sustain private rental accommodation.
- Bond Extra: a guarantee of up to $1,500 over the rental bond amount that may be paid to landlords or agents if there are rental arrears and/or property damage when a Residential Tenancy Agreement ends.
- Rentstart Bond Loan: an interest free loan to help pay up to four weeks’ bond.
- Advance Rent: a grant to help pay for 1-2 weeks’ rent in advance at the start of a tenancy.
We’re here to help
If you have an enquiry, contact the Housing Response Centre on 1800 422 322 or visit your local housing office.