Public housing is a form of long-term rental social housing which we manage.
It is for people on low incomes that are most in need. Especially those who have recently experienced homelessness, family violence or have other special needs.
For more information about policies and practice guidance, see Public housing policy and practice manuals.
How to apply
Go to Apply for social housing on our HousingVic website for more information and access to the online and paper application forms.
You will need to:
- Complete the online application or fill in the paper application form
- Include proof of identity, residency status and income
- Include any other documents needed for each person applying.
Victorian Housing Register
When someone applies for public housing they will go on to the Victorian Housing Register. Their wait time for a property will depend on the households’ circumstances and other factors such as:
- The preferred location that they have chosen
- The number of applications already on the register
- People who have demonstrated a housing need under one of the priority access categories
- The number of homes in demand in a given area and how often properties become vacant
- If there household requires housing in a particular location or need a particular type of property (for example, one with modifications).
The Victorian Housing Register and Transfer List provides the most recent quarterly indicative waiting list statistics by area. The transfer list is for people currently living in social housing, who have applied to transfer to a new property.
For more information on the Victorian Housing Register and Transfer List, see Victorian Housing Register, on our HousingVic website.
Public housing infrastructure program (PHIP)
The Public housing infrastructure program framework and funding guidelines provide the overarching framework and funding model for services funded to provide the Tenancy plus - Tenancy support program. However, tenants groups and the Community Gardens Program are excluded as these activities have separate and specific guidelines.
These guidelines detail the program framework, funded activities and funding guidelines, and are designed to assist the funded community services organisations to be aware of and understand the aims and management of the program along with other key department initiatives.
Read more about the Tenancy plus program on our HousingVic website.