If you believe you meet the eligibility criteria, you can lodge an application for public rental accommodation at any of our offices.
You will be asked to supply documents to show proof of identity and proof of income. Original identification documents should be provided in person or a certified copy can be posted in the mail.
Download an application form. Proof of identify and income documents must accompany your application form. You can lodge the application at any of the Department of Housing's offices, in person or via post.
Application forms are also available at any of the Department's regional or branch offices.
For more information download the Applying for Public Housing brochure.
Dual listing for community housing
You can widen your housing options by selecting the community housing option on your application form listing you for both public housing and community housing. Community housing is similar to public housing. It is not shared or communal housing.
If you agree to be included for community housing you are giving consent for your personal details, relevant to your housing application, to be given to the community housing organisation.
Choosing your zone or town
You will also be asked to select the area you wish to live in and the type of accommodation you require.
All public rental housing in the metropolitan area is divided into zones, representing groups of adjoining suburbs. We can advise you on which suburbs are in each zone. You will be asked to choose the zone you wish to live in. Unfortunately, it is not possible to apply for a specific suburb.
Country areas are divided into seven regions - Kimberley, Pilbara, Wheatbelt, Southern, South West, Goldfields, Midwest/Gascoyne. If you want specific information about which towns in a region have public rental accommodation, or about the type of accommodation and waiting times, it is best to contact the regional office direct.
There are many different types of accommodation, you will be asked to nominate your preferences on your rental application form. Not all areas have all types of accommodation, so check with us before completing your application. We can also advise you of the approximate waiting times for each accommodation type in each zone or region.
Download the
Which Zone brochure for a map of zones and list of suburbs in each zone.
Proof of identity
To prove your identity, you need to supply original or certified documents from the lists below. Original documents should be provided in person with your application. Documents should only be submitted via mail if you are unable to present the documents in person.
The combination you choose must show both your name and address.
One document from Category A plus one document from Category A, B or C
or
Three documents from Category B or C
Category A
- Birth certificate or extract issued at least five years ago
- Passport
- Citizenship papers
Category B
- Marriage certificate or divorce papers
- Birth certificate or extract
- Legal documents such as maintenance agreement, restraining order, adoption papers
- Letter from a government department
- Tax Assessment Notice
- Telstra or SECWA account
- Verification of income document from Centrelink or Department of Veterans' Affairs
- Driver's license
- Car registration papers
- Bank, building society or credit union account showing transactions for at least one year
- Insurance policy or insurance renewal notice
Category C
- Prisoner discharge certificate
- Hire purchase agreement, if authenticity is validated
- Letter from a government department, provided address on the letter matches address on the application
- Bank, credit union or building society accounts showing transactions for at least 12 months
- Motor vehicle driver's license as long as they show the same address as that on the application
If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and you cannot supply these documents, a statement from a recognised Aboriginal organisation confirming your identity is acceptable. A reference from a family member who can prove his or her identity is also acceptable.
Proof of income
Applicants must supply documentary proof of income for themselves and their partner to confirm eligibility for assistance.
All other household members (who are not dependents) will have to provide proof of income when your accommodation is allocated. This is because their income is counted as household income when assessing the amount of rent to be paid.
You also need to supply evidence of any other sources of income, such as interest from deposits in financial institutions, child maintenance payments and shares.
Wage and salary earner
Self employed
Pension or benefit
You will need an Income Statement from Centrelink or a letter from the Department of Veterans' Affairs confirming the benefit you are receiving, and how much you receive each payment, not more than four weeks old.
Regional or Branch office.
For more details on supplying proof of income, refer to the Department's
Rental Policy.
Making changes
The Department recognises that people's circumstances may change.
You can change the area in which you wish to live, the housing type and the number of people to be housed and still keep the same listing date.
Application confirmation
Once you have lodged your application you will receive a letter confirming the details. Please check carefully to make sure the details are correct. When a suitable property becomes available, we will contact you.
If you change your address at any time, make sure you contact us immediately. If mail sent to you is returned, you may be taken off the waiting list.
You will receive a yearly review. This is required to ensure your details are still current. It is important that this information is returned to us. If we do not receive your review and we are not able to contact you, you may be taken off the waiting list.