So where does a low-income earner start, without access to private rental, or if they are not eligible for priority housing? They are likely to face housing stress and are at a high risk of homelessness. Those with additional support needs such as mental health, family breakdown, or drug and alcohol dependence are facing the biggest hurdles in finding a place to call home. For those who do not have family and friends to help accommodate them between more permanent addresses, the Boarding House Sector may be the only option available.
Boarding houses are a form of affordable, accessible accommodation where individual occupants pay a fee for a single room that usually includes utility bills. They will have individual agreements with the landlord and share all communal facilities with other residents, who are generally unknown to them, unlike in a large share-house. Usually the occupant will only need to pay two weeks deposit (or just a key deposit). Residents do not have to sign a long lease and can give short notice to leave if they wish, making it an accessible accommodation option.
In October 2012, the Boarding House Act was introduced in NSW. Essentially, the new law aims to protect the rights of occupants, and to standardise the safety and quality of the accommodation on offer. By registering boarding houses with Fair Trading and offering legal avenues for occupants to exercise their rights, the Government hopes to keep NSW’s affordable housing options safer and more sustainable.
The Boarding House Outreach Project, based at Newtown Neighbourhood Centre, works closely with occupants and operators of boarding houses in Sydney’s inner west, and has overall aims to prevent homelessness. The team’s case managers support boarding house occupants, with high and complex needs, to sustain or improve their living arrangements, while our development team supports the operators to understand and implement the new laws into their operations.
For information or advice regarding boarding houses, please contact the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre. 9564 7333.
Sally Chalmers is responsible for Resources & Development, Boarding House Outreach Project, Newtown Neighbourhood Centre.
