Government use of rooming houses

Why this is important

Rooming houses are privately owned accommodation where residents have an individual agreement with the rooming house operator. The government often uses rooming houses to accommodate people experiencing disadvantage, while delivering other support services they need.

This includes those at risk of homelessness, people leaving hospitals or prisons, and people escaping family violence. 

This transitional accommodation can be expensive, poorly maintained and unsafe. This potentially undermines the outcomes the government is hoping to achieve. 

What we plan to examine

We plan to examine if rooming houses used in the delivery of government services are safe, legally compliant and provide value for money. We are also interested in whether rooming houses support the government to achieve improved outcomes for people experiencing disadvantage. 

Who we plan to examine

Department of Families, Fairness and Housing

Department of Government Services

Department of Health

Department of Justice and Community Safety

A selection of community service providers