The Community Housing Providers Amendment Bill 2025 will create the first public register of affordable homes in NSW, establishing crucial oversight that has been lacking.
Currently, there is no central tracking system for affordable housing, leading to compliance issu,es including rent overcharging and improper tenant selection.
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Rose Jackson said the legislation marks a significant shift in accountability for affordable housing providers.
“We’re drawing a line under the cowboy era of unregulated affordable housing. These laws ensure that if you say you’re delivering affordable housing, you actually do,” Ms Jackson said.
The reforms will establish a new category of Affordable Housing Managers who will be directly responsible to the NSW Government Registrar.
These managers will ensure tenant eligibility and appropriate rent charging across the affordable housing sector.
Developers will face stricter requirements under the new legislation.
They will be unable to obtain occupation certificates unless they have appointed a registered manager and have affordable housing rules legally recorded on property titles.
The bill also introduces enforcement powers and financial penalties for those who fail to rent to eligible tenants or breach other conditions of affordable housing agreements.
Minister for Planning Paul Scully highlighted how these reforms complement other government housing initiatives.
“The Transport Oriented Development program is the first time in NSW history that a government has introduced inclusionary zoning for affordable housing in perpetuity, these reforms will guide and support that affordable housing delivery,” Mr Scully said.
The legislation represents part of the Minns Labor Government’s broader strategy to address the housing crisis in New South Wales.
It follows other initiatives including the Infill Affordable Housing pathway and the establishment of the Housing Delivery Authority.
Information sharing and oversight will be strengthened under the new system, ensuring taxpayer money is used effectively and that affordable housing remains accessible to those who need it most.
Shelter NSW CEO John Engeler welcomed the reforms, and said they provide much-needed protection for affordable housing.
“Shelter NSW is greatly encouraged by this announcement giving immediate operational certainty,” Mr Engeler said.
“This legislation provides protection for the growing area of affordable housing, especially for those on lower incomes.”
He said it was important to maintain the long-term commitments to affordable housing beyond initial development announcements.
“All too often legislation lags behind changes in the market – steps taken today by Government ensures that legislation for this growing area of alternative market housing is not having to play catch-up,” Mr Engeler said.
