Answering your rent questions We asked our Rent Review team to answer some of your most frequently asked questions about how we set and review your rent. $
What formula do we use to calculate my rent? Your rent is calculated in line with the Community Housing Rent Setting Policy set by the Department of Communities. We calculate rents based on your household income and assets to make sure your rent is affordable in relation to what you earn.
My income has decreased, but why has my rent not decreased? This is most likely to be because you are paying maximum rent for your property due to reaching the 74.99% market rent cap. Community Housing tenants will never pay more than 74.99% of market rent (the rent you would pay in the private rental market) – even if 25% of your assessable income is more than 74.99% of market rent. Even if your income decreases, 25% or 30% of your assessable income may still be more than 74.99% of market rent which means you will continue to be charged Housing Choices WA maximum rent. Do I need to tell you when my Centrelink payments change? Yes, if the type of Centrelink payment you receive changes, or you start receiving new payments you need to let us know. If your existing Centrelink payments increase (like the usual CPI increase), you do not need to notify us as this will be picked up in your next rent review.
How much can I earn before I become ineligible? This depends on how many people live in your household and if there is anyone in your household living with a disability. If you would like to discuss what the income limits are for your household, or have any other questions about rent, please call your local office and ask to speak to a member of the Rent Review team. Why am I not receiving as much Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA) as you said I was entitled to? The first step is advising Centrelink of the amount of rent you are being charged to ensure you are getting your full CRA entitlement. If you have signed an Electronic Verification of Rent (EVoR) consent form, we can let Centrelink know on your behalf. It is also important to note that your CRA entitlement may not increase until your new rent has taken effect. If you are still not receiving the right amount of CRA please contact the rent review team and we will investigate the issue.
BASE RENT 25% or 30% of
your net assessable household income 100% of your Commonwealth Rent Assistance entitlement + = TOTAL RENT
Up to 74.99% of market rent
(known as Housing Choices Maximum Rent)
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