How is Rent Calculated
At Believe Housing Australia, we aim to make your rent as affordable as possible while making sure we can provide good quality housing that is well maintained.
Your Rent
Believe Housing Australia is a community housing provider. That means most of our rental properties are available to people on low to moderate incomes. But we are more than just a housing provider. We work hard to provide good quality and well-maintained homes at affordable rental rates. We also work with tenants to create secure and supportive communities, where you feel a sense of belonging and can move towards becoming all that you want to be.
The rent you pay will either be: a percentage of the home’s market rental rate (that’s called ceiling rent) OR up to 30% of your weekly household income, whichever works out to be the lowest. Plus, any Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA) you receive. Confused? Please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.
Ceiling Rent
Our ceiling rent is 75% of the current market rate for a similar rental property. To work out the current market rate, we look at information from the Valuer-General, formal valuations and private market rental rates.
Income Based Rent
This is up to 30% of the income of all those working and living in your household. It may also include any CRA you receive from Centrelink.
Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA)
CRA is an extra payment from the Australian Government to help people in community or private housing meet the cost of their rent. If you receive a pension or allowance from Centrelink, you may be eligible. Please read our information on Commonwealth Rent Assistance.
Paying Your Rent
Rent is paid two weeks in advance on the day your tenancy starts. Rent will then be due each fortnight
from this date.
Rent Reviews
We will review your rent twice a year. Even if the rental rate is increased after a review, it will always remain less than 30% of your weekly household income.
We will also always give you the required notice before any rent increase commences. And if you are receiving a CRA payment, you’ll need to advise Centrelink of any changes to your income or rent.
Struggling to Pay Your Rent?
If your circumstances change and you’re having problems paying your rent, please contact us immediately. You’re part of our community and we will work with you to try and enable you to remain in your home.
