Public housing rent explainer

Public housing rent is paid by people who live in public housing. The amount they pay is either no more than 25% of their household income or the market rent of the property - whichever is the lesser amount.  

This ensures a fair and sustainable public housing system and is very different to the private rental market that does not have this protection. 

Every dollar that is generated from rent-goes back into making public housing better. 

Rent is invested in things like maintenance, cleaning, security and the delivery of other important housing services for renters.

No public housing renter is expected to pay more than 25% of their household income on rent or the market rent of the property - whichever is the lesser amount.  

If the market rent of a property is more than 25% of a household income, the household can apply for a rental rebate so that their rental costs remain affordable. Over time, the incomes of households living in public housing can increase due to changing circumstances and employment – however so long as they continue to meet income and asset eligibility rules, they are still entitled to stay in public housing and pay no more than 25% of their income as rent.   

All public housing renters are notified of rent reviews and outcomes. 

For more information about renter rights and responsibilities, visit the public renters page or contact your local housing office 

Housing staff are here to help you.  You can apply for a rental rebate anytime, so you only pay 25% of your total household income on rent. 

After speaking with your local housing office, if you still require assistance, you can visit Feedback, complaints and appeals for more information. 

You can also contact Consumer Affairs Victoria for advice about changes to your market rent.  

You can ask Consumer Affairs Victoria to review your market rent in writing within 30 days of receiving the rent increase notice.

Contact Consumer Affairs Victoria by 

• visiting the Consumer Affairs Victoria website
• calling the renting helpline on 1300 55 81 81. 

Yes. Housing Vic Online Services is a safe and easy way for renters to manage housing information and services and is accessible through their myGov account. Renters are also able to access a range of other housing services via this online service, including making a rental payment, updating personal details, requesting a statement, receiving digital mail and updating household income.   

Get started using Housing Vic Online Services