Our Services
Introduction
Women’s Housing Company Ltd is primarily a community housing provider. We aim to deliver our services in a supportive and pro-active way often referred to as best practice. We apply a community development approach as part of our service and are constantly looking for improvements. Women’s Housing Company Ltd operates a range of housing programs.
Women who work can apply for the Social Housing Subsidy Program - SHSP.
Only a limited number of units exist in a limited geographical area. Waiting times may be longer. New affordable housing projects are in progress across Sydney with a focus on outer suburb areas.
Long Term Housing
Women who wish to live alone can apply for long term housing with WHC-Women’s Housing Company.
In general, the same eligibility criteria apply as for public housing with the Housing NSW and applicants are required to provide us with their T-number which verifies that they are eligible for public housing and that they are current on the waitlist.
Women already living in Housing NSW accommodation are not eligible, unless you live in a bedsit.
The waiting period varies depending on your needs in terms of location, health and social requirements; a rough guide is 3-6 years.
Standard Properties
Women’s Housing Company (WHC) is the lessor, in other words the landlord for all tenancy agreements.
Some properties are fully managed by WHC, which are referred to as ‘capital properties’, others are managed by private real estate agencies and they are referred to as ‘leasehold properties’.
It is not possible for an applicant or tenant to specifically apply for one or the other; all offers are made based on current availability. The applicant can identify three Local Government Areas in which they have a preference to live - WHC covers the Sydney Metropolitan area.
A standard property (or Capital Property) consists of a one bedroom unit with a shower or bath tub. All properties are secured by a front door deadlock and security screen or a security main door to the block of units.
Tenants who occupy leasehold properties are unlikely to have requests for any alterations to the property approved after moving in as WHC does not have full control of these properties.
Short, Medium & Long Term Partnerships
Women with additional support needs are referred to Women’s Housing Company from participating agencies and organisations.
Short term partnerships may be 3 to 6 months; Medium term partnerships may be 6 months to two years, depending on support needs as identified by the partnership agency.
Long term partnerships house women until they decide to move out or become ineligible for housing.
How Much Does It Cost?
Rent is charged at 25% of the tenant’s gross income (income before tax) plus 100% Commonwealth Rent Assistance received, and is reviewed every 6 months.
Gross income includes all forms of incomes and assets including any financial investments, annuities, inheritance etc. If a tenant owns property anywhere it must be declared. Once housed, all tenants must notify WHC immediately of any changes to income levels or asset holdings and these changes will take effect immediately.
