Housing and Community Building Division

The Department of Human Services – Housing and Community Building Division provides public and community housing and support for those most in need.

This includes homelessness and crisis support, affordable rental housing and training and employment opportunities for people in public housing.

Housing is as much about people as it is about the bricks and mortar that make a building.

The division aims to drive a more connected service that offers not only stable housing but the opportunity and support for people to grow and thrive in our community.

Find out more about applying for public housing and homelessness support services.

Our role

The Housing and Community Building Division:

provides more and better affordable rental housing
upgrades and improves public and social housing to be environmentally sustainable and better integrated with the whole community
supports those most in need with more training and employment opportunities
provides crisis accommodation and is tackling the causes of homelessness in Victoria

Legislation

The Housing and Community Building Division is guided by the following Acts and Policies:

Housing Act 1983

The Housing Act 1983 sets out the responsibilities and powers of the Minister for Housing and the Director of Housing. Some of the objectives of the Act are to expand and develop public housing in a cost effective way.

Residential Tenancies Act 1997

The Residential Tenancies Act 1997 regulates the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords in Victoria. These regulations cover issues such as bonds, condition reports, maintenance, rent increases, rights of entry and termination of tenancies.

This Act also regulates the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority and provides for dispute resolution through the Director of Consumer Affairs and through the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Like all other landlords in Victoria, the Director of Housing is required to abide by the Residential Tenancies Act.