Crackdown on social housing cheats

An investigation by the Department of Housing has identified up to 1,350 social housing tenants whose income or assets may make them ineligible for social housing.

Preliminary results of the eligibility audit uncovered up to 50 tenants believed to own properties and a further 1,300 tenants whose income was potentially more than the eligibility threshold.

Housing and Works Minister Troy Buswell said the crackdown was part of the Liberal-National Government's campaign to tackle the State's social housing waiting list, which was 22,015 on July 31.

"The community expects social housing to be made available to those in greatest need," Mr Buswell said.

"People who own what is effectively an investment property should not be relying on housing assistance provided by taxpayers. They will be required to vacate the tenancy."

Five tenants are in negotiations with the department to determine the time frame for them to build on land they own before they vacate public housing. 

"Many tenants may have originally had an income level that made them eligible for social housing but could have experienced a change in circumstances," Mr Buswell said.

"Some tenants may have gained employment or increased their income and are now in a position where their income makes them ineligible for social housing.

"One option that we will be actively exploring will be to consider how the State Government can assist tenants who are no longer income eligible to own their own homes, using a combination of shared equity and access to funding via Keystart.

"The Government's intent is not to provide a disincentive to people who have worked hard to improve their income beyond eligibility limits, rather we want to encourage them with the reward of home ownership."

The department will work with people who may no longer meet the eligibility requirements to try to find a suitable transition to alternative accommodation in a reasonable time period.

The Minister indicated the crackdown on ineligible tenants was one of many reforms in the area of social housing.

"I am keen to see the department tighten up its approach to the management of disruptive tenants.  Antisocial behaviour by public housing tenants is a challenging and ongoing issue, but one which I am determined to address," he said.

"I would also like to see a resolution to the problem of under-occupancy, where tenants no longer require four, five or six-bedroom homes and could move into smaller properties.

"While we are undertaking an unprecedented social housing building program, the reality is that the demand for social housing is likely to remain strong into the future and it is critical that we get the best social and economic value from this significant community investment."