What is transitional housing?

Transitional housing is a form of social housing offered by community housing providers.

It offers tenancies to people on the housing register with a ‘Very High’ or ‘High’ and urgent need for housing.

Transitional housing assistance allows people them to stabilise their circumstances before moving on to longer term housing.

Transitional housing is not long-term housing.

Types of transitional housing

Transitional housing programs include:

  • Community Rent Scheme: tenancy management and support for people to build their capacity to progress to longer-term living arrangements in private or social housing.
  • Community-Managed Studio Units: transitional and longer term housing that matches household needs. Properties may be furnished and have communal entertainment areas or courtyards.
  • Same House Different Landlord program: public housing properties leased to community housing providers for 6 months for people who need temporary support to manage a tenancy.

Read more about types of transitional housing.

Applying for transitional housing

There is one application process for both transitional and longer term housing assistance. Read about how to apply for housing.

During transitional housing tenancy

You will enter into a tenancy agreement with your housing provider at the start of your tenancy. It is important that you understand your rights and responsibilities in your tenancy.

Read more about what you can expect during your transitional housing tenancy.

Other assistance

If you’re homeless or at risk of homelessness, the Homeless Hotline provides information on housing and available support services 24 hours a day, every day. Call 1800 474 753.

If you need crisis accommodation, your local Housing Service Centre may refer you directly to a homelessness service.

You may be eligible and matched to other forms of social housing, such as public housing.

You may be eligible for a bond loan or other assistance to help you secure a tenancy in the private rental market or remain living in your own home.