For Applicants

What are housing associations?

Housing associations are non-profit organizations that provide affordable housing to people on low incomes and with special needs. All associations operate independently and are managed mainly by community based voluntary management committees or boards. At present there are 14 housing associations in metropolitan Sydney and 20 housing associations in regional New South Wales. Click here for a listing.

What is Ryde Hunters Hill Community Housing Co-op Ltd
(also known as RHHCH)?

RHHCH is a community housing association that provides unfurnished accommodation to both single people and families. RHHCH is not a provider of emergency accommodation. RHHCH is a member of the NSW Federation of Housing Associations.

What areas does RHHCH cover?

At present RHHCH operates within the following local government areas: Auburn, Baulkham Hills, Hornsby, Hunters Hill, Parramatta. Ryde and Willoughby. If we don’t operate in your preferred area, we can refer you to a housing association that manages properties in your area.

How many properties does RHHCH manage?

As of December 2008 we managed 183 properties.

Who is eligible to apply?

For all applicants, other than applicants for special projects, the following criteria apply:

  • you must be on the Department of Housing’s waiting list
  • you must be capable of independent living

Type of housing available

RHHCH provides accommodation for singles and families. Single people and parents with young children tend to be accommodated in units and villas. Some larger families are accommodated in houses. The majority of our properties, however, are one and two bedroom units. A few of our properties are classified as special projects such as housing for the elderly. The size and type of accommodation offered will depend on the type of housing available and on your housing needs.

How to apply

You can either collect an application from our office or arrange to have one posted out to you. Alternatively, you can download the application form from our website by clicking here Application Form (547KB)
In order for us to assess your application, it is very important that you attach the following documents to your application:

  • a printout from the Department of Housing’s computer showing that you are ‘active’ on the department’s waiting list
  • proof of income
  • any information about any medical condition or
  • any other condition which affects your ability to find private rental accommodation.
  • any other special circumstances which have contributed to your current housing situation.

Periodically, we may contact you to update our information on your current needs and eligibility. This may involve an interview. To help us evaluate your application properly, please let us know if your circumstances or needs change. As well, remember to tell us immediately you change address or contact details.

How will my application be assessed?

Your application will first be assessed to see if you meet the eligibility criteria. Eligible applicants will then be put on our applicants’ list which is prioritized according to need and the date of application.

What are my chances of being housed?

It is important to recognise that eligible applicants cannot be guaranteed housing as there are many more applicants than accommodation units available. Generally, RHHCH can only house applicants when an existing property becomes available e.g. when someone moves out. This means that it is very difficult to estimate the waiting time. Allocations are also dependent on the type of property that becomes available, the needs of the applicant and the priorities of the organisation.

Pets

As a large number of our properties are units that are privately owned, it is unlikely that RHHCH will be able to house you if you have a pet.

Rent

If I am made an offer how much will my rent be? All tenants who are on low incomes are eligible to receive a rental rebate. This means that tenants will generally pay 25% of their gross household income as rent.

Rental bonds

All RHHCH tenants are charged a bond equal to at least four times their weekly rebated rent.

RHHCH Contact Details

Main Office: 38 Church Street Ryde NSW 2112
Postal Address: PO Box 361Ryde NSW 1680
Phone: 02 9808 3545
Email: inquiries@housing.org.au
Web: www.housing.org.au
Office Hours
Monday: By appointment
Tuesday: 9.30am to 4.30pm
Wednesday: 9.30am to 4.30pm
Thursday: 9.30am to 4.30pm
Friday: By appointment

Click Here for Information Brochure (75KB)
Click Here for Application Form (547KB)

Other Housing Associations In The Northern and Central Sydney Regions

For the contact details of housing associations within metropolitan Sydney and regional NSW, go to
http://www.communityhousing.org.au/F3_directory.html.

Other Community Resources

Information/assistance with emergency accommodation

Information/assistance for young people

Tenancy Advice

Financial Counselling

lnterpreter Service