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Rent and mortgage costs are one of the biggest pressures on households right now. If you're finding it hard to keep up, you're not alone, and there is help available in Victoria. This guide explains what "housing stress" means, what recent research shows, and where to turn.
What is housing stress?
A household is usually described as being in housing stress when it is on a lower income and spends more than 30% of its income on rent or mortgage repayments. This is often called the "30/40 rule", because it applies to households in the bottom 40% of incomes. The Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute explains how it is measured in its 30/40 indicator brief.
Housing stress isn't only about numbers. It often means going without other essentials so the rent gets paid.
Outside Victoria? See where to get help in every state and territory.
What recent research shows
In October 2026, the national campaign Everybody's Home released its No Room to Move report, based on a survey of 1,150 people including renters, home owners and people experiencing homelessness. It found that (Everybody's Home):
- three in four (76%) would have to make sacrifices if their rent or mortgage rose by $20 a week
- three in five (62%) were spending more than 30% of their income on housing
- in the past year, people coped by reducing energy use (48%), limiting driving (40%) and avoiding the doctor (38%)
- nearly half (47%) said their home wasn't warm enough last winter.
The Salvation Army's 2026 Red Shield Report, which surveyed more than 4,400 people using its emergency relief services, found housing costs took 46% of household income on average and 37% had to choose between paying rent or a mortgage and buying food at least weekly (The Salvation Army).
Signs it's time to ask for help
- You're behind on rent or mortgage repayments, or worried you soon will be.
- You're skipping meals, medicine or heating to pay housing costs.
- Bills are piling up and you're not sure which to pay first.
- You've received a notice to vacate or a rent increase you can't afford.
- You're staying with friends or family because you have nowhere else to go.
Asking early usually means more options. Many services can help before things reach a crisis.
Free help for renters and families in Victoria
Commonwealth Rent Assistance
If you get a Centrelink payment and pay rent above a certain amount, you may get Rent Assistance as an extra regular payment. You don't need to claim it separately, but you do need to tell Centrelink when your rent or address changes (Services Australia).
Bond loans and housing establishment help
Homes Victoria offers RentAssist bond loans to help eligible people move into a private rental (housing.vic.gov.au). Some community organisations also give financial help for housing-related hardship through the Housing Establishment Fund (HEF), and Centrelink's Crisis Payment may help people on income support facing extreme circumstances (Financial help for private renters).
Concessions and bill relief
Low-income Victorians may be eligible for concessions on council rates, water, gas and electricity, plus a Utility Relief Grant for overdue electricity, gas or water bills. Start by calling your retailer and asking about payment help.
Free financial counselling
The National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 offers free, confidential financial counselling (ndh.org.au). A counsellor can help you work out a budget, talk to creditors and understand your options. Read more in our guide to free financial counselling in Australia.
Advice about your rights as a renter
If you're facing a rent increase or a notice to vacate, get advice before you act. Homes Victoria lists free renting advice services on its Get rental advice page. Our article on Victoria's rental reforms explains recent changes to renters' rights.
Food and everyday essentials
If money for food has run out, emergency relief services can help. See our guide to food aid and vouchers in Australia.
How Nhanya Foundation can help
Nhanya Foundation is a registered charity in Melbourne's west. We don't provide emergency accommodation or cash grants, but our accommodation support and advocacy and service navigation teams can help you understand your housing options, prepare rental applications, talk with landlords or agents, and connect with the right services, including support for women and families. Call 03 8595 9012 or make a referral.
Struggling to keep up with housing costs? Call Nhanya Foundation on 03 8595 9012 or make a referral.