Frequently Asked Questions

More information on Australian Community Housing and its work can be found here, as well as how to join and media contacts. 

Australian Community Housing (ACH) does not manage housing or tenancies, so we’re unable to place individuals into accommodation.

If you are looking for housing or need support with your tenancy, applications and services are managed by state and territory governments or individual housing providers.

If you are experiencing homelessness, family violence, or are at risk of homelessness, support services are available please find a list of resources below.

👉 Visit our Housing & Tenant Support page here to find services in your state or territory

Australian Community Housing is the national peak body for registered not-for-profit community housing providers across Australia.

We represent a sector delivering safe, secure and affordable homes at scale, and work to shape national housing policy, strengthen the sector and support better housing outcomes across Australia.

Australian Community Housing (ACH) is the national peak body representing not for profit community housing providers across Australia.

Formed through the 2025 merger of CHIA National and PowerHousing Australia, ACH brings together decades of policy expertise, delivery experience and member advocacy to represent a unified, coordinated sector.

ACH exists to champion the work of its members and ensure that community housing is recognised as essential social and economic infrastructure. We support members, shape national housing policy and strengthen sector capability to expand community housing and improve outcomes for tenants and communities.

Find out more about Australian Community Housing on the ‘About Us’ page.

If you’re interested in becoming a member of Australian Community Housing, please contact us at:

📧 info@australiancommunityhousing.org.au

Our team will provide information on eligibility, membership categories and next steps.

Membership fees are based on the size of your organisation, including the number of properties owned and/or managed.

There are set fee categories, with one fee per category.

For full details, please contact:
📧 info@australiancommunityhousing.org.au

Membership benefits are different for each category, but members can expect access to varying levels of resources, events and networking. Networks and resources established by CHIA and PHA will continue to be available.

ACH membership connects organisations to a national network of community housing providers and partners.

Members can access:

  • Sector insights, data and resources
  • Communities of Practice and specialist networks
  • Events, roundtables and the national conference
  • Opportunities to contribute to national advocacy and policy

Benefits vary depending on membership category.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Antonia Magee
email: antonia@sentiment.agency
Phone: 0409 339 989

Community housing refers to affordable rental housing managed by not-for-profit organisations. These homes provide secure, affordable accommodation for people on low to moderate incomes who are unable to access private rental markets.

Community housing providers (CHPs) are not-for-profit organisations that re-invest any surplus revenue into new housing, better services or improving our properties – not into dividends for shareholders or executive bonuses.

Different types of housing provided by CHOs include social housing, affordable housing, specialist disability housing (SDA) and transitional housing.

Community housing includes:

  • Social housing — for people on very low incomes
  • Affordable housing — below-market rental for low to moderate incomes
  • Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) — for people with disability and high support needs
  • Transitional housing — short-term housing supporting people into long-term stability

Eligibility varies by state and territory, but generally includes people who:

  • are on low to moderate incomes
  • are unable to access suitable private housing
  • may be experiencing or at risk of homelessness

Housing applications are managed by state and territory governments or housing providers.

Social housing is a broad term that includes both public housing (managed by government) and community housing (managed by not-for-profit providers).

Community housing is delivered by independent organisations that reinvest all surplus back into housing and services.

You can stay up to date with Australian Community Housing by:

If you would like to submit a story for consideration in the ACH newsletter, please use the submission form via the link below.

ACH Newsletter Content Submission Form

ACH is not able to assist with tenancy issues, complaints or disputes.

If you need help, please contact your housing provider directly or the relevant housing authority in your state or territory.

👉 Visit our Housing & Tenant Support page here for more information