Understanding the Rental Assistance Scheme for Key Workers in the Northern Territory

One of the biggest challenges faced by key workers in the Northern Territory is the high cost of living. The cost of rent has skyrocketed in recent years, making it difficult for key workers to afford decent accommodation and maintain their livelihoods. However, the Northern Territory Government has introduced various rental assistance or subsidy schemes that can help key workers – and the businesses that employ them – to access affordable housing. This includes: 1) Affordable Housing Scheme; and 2) Rent Choice Private Rental Subsidy Scheme.

We outline below the primary elements of the rental assistance scheme for key workers in the Northern Territory, including eligibility criteria and how it can assist small businesses.

1)    Affordable Housing Scheme

Eligible tenants can sub-lease a property from the NTG at 70% of market rates.

To apply, one must:

• have at least one adult member of the household employed in a key service industry

• be able to show you can make regular rental payments

• not:

• currently own a property in the NT

• get a rental subsidy from your employer or another housing program

• be directly employed in the resources sector

• exceed income limit. (For example, for one (1) adult the maximum gross household income is $85,000. There are other methods of assessing a household which can be found here).

 2)    Rent Choice Private Rental Subsidy Scheme

Eligible key workers who live in Katherine, Tennant Creek or Alice Springs are able to gain assistance by way of private rental subsidies with the help of Venture Housing Company. This program is known as Rent Choice – Regional.

Importantly, the program enables eligible key workers to:

·         receive a rental subsidy of a max. $6,000 for up to six months, depending upon their household size and the rental location.  

·         source their own private rental accommodation through a licensed Real Estate Agent

·         apply the subsidy payments to a lease extension through a licensed Real Estate Agent

Payments are not made to the eligible worker, but rather directly to the licensed Real Estate Agent by Venture Housing Company on a monthly basis for an agreed term. A crucial point to be aware of is that the lease commencement date must come after the Rent Choice voucher issue date. Once the voucher has been issued, all leases must begin within 8 weeks.

For more background information and to start the online application process, please see Venture Housing Company.

Throughout the NT, businesses of all shapes and sizes rely on their key workers. The Affordable Housing Scheme and Rent Choice – Regional are excellent ways to ensure that those workers have one less financial aspect to worry about in these challenging times. As a business, assisting an employee or potential employee to access these schemes could be the step that makes the difference in finding and keeping the right person that progresses your business.

Do you need help with the challenges of operating your business? If so, please call Samantha Hansen on (08) 8941 6355 or email sam@bowden-mccormack.com.au