Receiving an offer of accommodation
Applicants are made only one offer of accommodation in their zone or country town of choice. Applicants who have a valid reason for refusal will not be penalised and will be returned to the waiting list and made another offer of accommodation when a suitable property becomes available.
When accepting accommodation you will need to confirm that you meet the Department’s eligibility requirements and provide current income details for all household members. A Housing Service Officer will contact you to sign the tenancy agreement and to advise of rent and bond payments.
If you are considering declining the property, speak to a customer service officer before completing a Decline Form. You must have a specific reason for declining and need to clearly explain why the property is not suitable, along with supporting documentation. Applicants without a valid reason will be withdrawn from the waiting list and will need to reapply.
For more information, open a copy of the Department of Housing brochure Offer of Rental Accommodation (PDF 179 kB).
Moving In
When you move into your new home, your Accommodation Manager will give you a Property Condition Report. This describes the condition of each room in the house as well as the exterior and gardens.
If you find any fault with the property, it is important that you write down what is wrong and return the yellow copy of the form to your local Department of Housing office within 14 days. This prevents you from being charged for repairs to anything that was damaged before you moved in. If you don't return the form, we will assume you are happy with the property.
The Department does not cover you against theft or damage to your furniture or personal items, so it is advisable to consider getting your household contents insured.
Pets
Yes, your pet is welcome! But there are a few common sense rules. Dogs and cats can be kept, provided the property has a separate yard. It is your responsibility to ensure the yard is enclosed. You also need to make sure your pet does not damage the property or disturb the neighbours, otherwise it may be asked to leave.
If you live in a flat or apartment without a separate yard, unfortunately dogs and cats are not allowed. But you can keep other pets such as a caged bird or a fish.
Check with the local council about any specific rules for your suburb. Most local governments allow up to two dogs on a residential property, but some have local laws that vary this amount.
Good Neighbours
The Department of Housing provides accommodation for more than 39,000 households in Western Australia, and the vast majority live in harmony with their neighbours.
We recognise that good neighbours are a two way street. But it is in your interest to ensure things don't get out of hand. Anti-social behaviour is regarded as a breach of tenancy and is treated very seriously by the Department. Example include fights and unruly behaviour, parties that get out of hand, playing very loud music, abusive language, entering neighbourhood properties without permission and interfering with other people's possessions.
How To Pay Rent
The Department of Housing does not accept cash at any of its offices, but there are several options available for paying your rent.
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Centrelink — If your income is from a Centrelink pension or benefit, your rental payments will be directly deducted from your benefit by Centrelink and forwarded to us. Additional charges such as water consumption can be paid at any post office using your rental housing card. Open the Rent Deduction Scheme form (PDF 206 kB).
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Post Office — You can use your rental housing card to make payments at any post office.
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Direct Debit — You can arrange with us for your rent to be paid directly from your bank account.
To open a PDF copy of the DHW Direct Debit brochure (207kB) click on the link below. The document includes the Direct Debit Request form which can be printed out, filled in and mailed to the Department of Housing. For more information on PDF documents, click on the PDF icon.
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Online Bill Payment — You can now use your credit card to pay your rent or additional charges such as water payments or tenant liability. Go to WA Fastpay for
The Department of Housing ensures that no tenant pays more than 25 per cent of household income on rent, regardless of the market value of your house. Where necessary, rental subsidies are provided to ensure this occurs.
If your income increases by more than $10 a week, it is possible your rent will be changed. It is important that you advise us immediately otherwise you may face paying back rent when your next rent review falls due. Similarly, please advise us if your income is reduced, as you may be eligible for a rent decrease.
Open a copy of the Application for Rental Subsidy form (PDF 164 kB). Use this form to notify the Department of income changes for any household members.
Can't Pay?
It is important when you are renting to keep your rental account in advance. If you fall behind, contact your Accommodation Manager immediately so we can help organise an affordable arrangement to clear the debt. This is very important as continuing problems with your rental account could lead to eviction.
Debt Discount Scheme
Through the Debt Discount Scheme, housing applicants or previous tenants are offered a discount to help them repay money they owe. Under the scheme, eligible customers only have to pay 50 per cent of the debt they owe.
As a result, applicants are able pay their debt more quickly and then re-enter the public rental program.
Eligibility
The Debt Discount Scheme is available to applicants for rental housing and home ownership, as well as current tenants who want to pay a debt from a previous tenancy.
The scheme is not available to people wishing to access Bond Assistance.
How it Works
The Department offers a discount of 50 per cent off your debt — that is $1 off for every $1 you repay.
For example, if your debt is $600, under the Debt Discount Scheme you will only have to repay $300.
To participate in the scheme you need to complete an application form and return it to your nearest Department of Housing office.
However, to remain in the scheme you must maintain your repayment schedule. For example if you agreed to pay $20 per week, you must maintain those payments or you will no longer be eligible for the discount.
For more information and the application form, open the PDF document Debt Discount Scheme (243 kB). For more information on PDF documents, click on the PDF icon to the right.
Repairs and Maintenance
The Department of Housing carries out regular maintenance on all of its rental properties.
When faults occur due to normal wear and tear, we provide maintenance and repairs at no charge. Faults caused by neglect, misuse or wilful damage are charged to tenants.
The Maintenance issues can be reported on 1300 137 677 which includes after hours emergencies.
If the problem poses a danger, it will be commenced within 3 hours. If the problem is serious, such as no hot water, it will be attended to within 48 hours. Other everyday problems, with the exception of those jobs as determined by the Department of Housing, are to be completed within 10 calendar days.
After Hours Emergency
The Department provides an emergency after-hours maintenance service, but it will only pay for repairs of the utmost urgency — such as a gas leak, no power or burst water pipe — to be attended to after hours. Tenants who use this service for situations that are not life or property threatening will be charged the full cost. Typically, the minimum call out fee is around $200, plus materials.
The Maintenance issues can be reported on 1300 137 677 which includes after hours emergencies.
The Department also carries out home modifications to improve access in and around the home for tenants with disabilities.
For more information please see the Maintenance Brochure (160kB). For more information on PDF documents, click on the PDF icon to the right.
Tenants Advice Service (TAS) is a specialist community legal centre providing tenancy information, advice and advocacy, resourcing and support to community workers working with tenants, community education and training, tenancy publications, and advocating for improvements to law and policy for the benefit of tenants in Western Australia.
Moving OutYou need to give 21 days notice in writing to advise when you intend to vacate your public housing property.
It is very important that you get the property checked before you depart, so you are not billed for any problems that may occur after you leave. Your Accommodation Manager can inspect the property with you once the furniture is removed, and will advise you if anything needs to be fixed.
This ensures you have the chance to fix the problem yourself, rather than being billed for a contractor to carry out the work. (Allow at least five working days notice to arrange an inspection).
Obviously, the property must be left clean and tidy. If repairs, gardening or rubbish removal are required, you will be charged for them. This can be very expensive.
We will stop charging you rent as soon as you return your keys.
Frequently Asked Questions
Click here for Tenancy Frequently Asked Questions.
