South West Community Housing

As an approved community housing provider, Accordwest offers a range of rental houses supported by wraparound services.

What is it?

Community housing is affordable rental properties provided for people with limited incomes. Just like regular rental homes, you live in and care for community housing as if it were your own, and can stay as long as you like, provided you meet eligibility requirements and maintain the property to a high standard.

Who we are

As a registered Community Housing Organisation (C.H.O) and member of ShelterWA based in the Southwest, Accordwest offers affordable community housing for people on low to moderate incomes, including community housing under the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS).

How it works

We match eligible candidates to community housing based on location, design and support needs. The process is simple - we work out what your rent is, you pay your rent, we do your inspections, you let us know when there are any repairs required.

Waitlist & Eligibility

Applications are made via the Department of Communities. Once you’re on the wait list and pass the Community Housing Income & Asset Limits test, Accordwest can match you with housing as it becomes available. Please review the Community Housing Income & Assessment Policy here or download the document here.

About our community housing

As a trusted community housing provider, Accordwest’s rentals are for people who have the tools and the skills to maintain a house, but struggle to afford a place to call home. In many ways, it’s just like any other rental home – at well under market rents. You get a 12-month lease on a property to call your own, which you pay for using just 25% of your income, as long as it meets Public Housing Income Limits.

Housing in Bunbury and Margaret River

At Accordwest, we operate in the Department of Communities region known as Metro/Southwest. Most of our community housing comprises 2x1 and 3x1 units located from Margaret River up to central Bunbury. There’s no time limit on your tenancy, so stay as long as you want and set yourself for the long-term. All we ask is you take good care of your rental and abide by our rules.

Eligibility involves assessing your income, which includes the income of your partner or co-applicant (if relevant)
The combined weekly gross income of you, your partner or co-applicant must fall within one of two categories:
- Band A
  Households who meet the Public Housing eligibility criteria
- Band B
  Households with income exceeding the eligibility criteria for Public Housing and not exceeding the eligibility criteria for entry to the National Rental Affordability Scheme
Make sure you read eligibility criteria carefully and stay up to date as it can change.

Community housing is just the beginning…

Many of our residents come to us after they’ve found themselves in a difficult situation and are at risk of experiencing homelessness. At Accordwest, our purpose is to support people experiencing hardship and disadvantage to live the life they choose to live. So if you need extra support, we can support you to access other Accordwest services, or any other local support services that can help you maintain your tenancy. You might find this is something you don’t want, and that’s ok. We’ll simply offer you as much information and connections as possible, then check in later to see how you’re going. For us, it’s all part of being a trusted community housing provider. We look forward to supporting you on your journey towards a safe and secure home life.