Community housing in Australia

Community housing in Australia is not-for-profit affordable housing provided by community housing organisations known as Community Housing Providers (CHPs). It is part of the social housing sector.^[1] CHPs have varying modes of operation and structure, and different types of stock. Any budget surplus in CHPs must be used to maintain existing housing, to provide better services for tenants or to help finance new properties. Although independent, the CHPs are regulated by the state, and commonly receive public funding. Most of their stock is owned by public housing authorities (SHAs) in each State, and the CHPs manage the tenancies using the rent received from tenants.

Community housing expanded from the 1990s in Australia, because of inadequate funding for public housing, and because it was geared around delivering housing to people with complex needs who required support services. In 2020, 103,900 dwellings were under community housing management, or 24% of the social housing stock.^[2]

The Community Housing Industry Association (CHIA)^[3] is the peak body representing all CHPs. It provides national advocacy and representation. The State branches of CHIA conduct training and networking activities for housing and associated service workers.