South West Community Housing

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

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 (for a single person up to $26,188) - 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 (for a single person up to $58,905 per annum)
- Band A
- Make sure you read eligibility criteria carefully and stay up to date as it can change.
Want to apply for our community housing?

As a trusted community housing provider in the South west, we offer a limited number of rental options for those who apply through the Department of Communities. In the event that a rental becomes available, we will match it with an eligible tenant from the DoC housing wait list. Once you are renting our community housing you can stay for as long as you want, so long as you look after the property and are capable of meeting rent. The rent you pay is worked out as 25% off your income, meaning it will change as your income changes. Once you’re eligible to live in a different type of property, we understand your journey away from community housing may take time.
Band A Asset Eligibility:
- Any annual income is assessed
- Superannuation and annuities that are not accessible are not assessed
- The Public Housing cash asset limits apply (e.g. deposits at a bank, credit union or building society, managed investments etc.)
Band B Asset Eligibility:
- Asset limits are assessed by household type:
- Single: $332,000
- Partnered (Combined): $412,500
- Couple but separate due to illness: $412,500
- Band B also includes limits on assets including:
- Cash or money at bank, building society or credit union
- Assets in superannuation
- Value of real estate including holiday homes

Applying for community housing
Once we’ve reviewed your income statements, checked your rental history and gathered other relevant information, we’ll sign you up to a lease, take your bond payment, and help set up your transactions so that 25% off your income comes out as rent.
Settling in
As you settle into your community housing property, well make sure you’re set up with your utilities, know how to troubleshoot any maintenance issues, and offer any other information that could help you.
Checking in
We do an inspection once every three months to check in on your progress. Two weeks before your inspection we’ll send a letter to let you know when it’s happening. You’ll receive a copy of your inspection and follow up if required.
Peaceful enjoyment
Accordwest community housing is here for you to make it a home of your own. As long as you maintain the property to a good standard, and are a good neighbour, then you can stay as long as you like.
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.