If your home no longer suits you or your family's needs, you may apply to transfer to another property. For example, you may wish to apply for a transfer if:
- you are fleeing domestic violence
- you have separated from your co-tenant
- you can no longer manage stairs
- your family has increased and the property is now over-crowded
- you need to move to gain/maintain access to your children
- you cannot access necessary support services.
If you wish to exchange homes with another departmental tenant, see Mutual exhanges (swaps).
If you are unsure if you are eligible for a transfer, discuss your situation with your nearest Housing Service Centre.
How do I apply for a transfer?
Contact your nearest Housing Service Centre to request and Application for Transfer and arrange a time for an interview. When you contact the Housing Service Centre, staff will discuss the appropriate evidence required for your situation. At your interview, you will need to provide:
- your completed Application for Transfer and
- evidence that you are still eligible for social housing assistance, and
- evidence for the reasons you need to transfer
You may also lodge your application by mail or fax, however, you should still contact your nearest Housing Service Centre to ensure that you provide all the appropriate documentation.
The department will then assess your application and advise you of the decision in writing.
What happens if my transfer application is approved?
If your transfer is approved, your application will be placed on the housing register according to your level of need. For example, if you are assessed as having a very high need, you would be offered housing ahead of applicants who have a moderate need for assistance.
What happens if I decline the property I am offered?
If you have any concerns about a property you have been offered, you should discuss this with Housing Service Centre staff before you make a decision. If you decline a property for an unacceptable reaason, you will not simply be offered the next available property. Your application will usually be placed at the bottom of the housing register (within you level of need) and you may have to wait some time for another offer. If you reject a second offer of housing for an unacceptable reason, your application will be cancelled. In certain circumstances, you application may be cancelled after the first refusal.
What can I do if my transfer is not approved?
If you disagree with the decision, ask for your transfer application to be reviewed (see How to appeal).
Further information
Please contact your nearest Housing Service Centre.
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