On 1 May 2023, the State Government announced the Regional Supportive Landlord Model (RSLM). The RSLM will deliver up to 100 social homes in regional locations for people sleeping rough, or experiencing chronic homelessness, in line with the All Paths Lead to Home: Western Australia's 10-Year Strategy on Homelessness 2020-2030 (the Strategy).
As part of the State Government's homelessness reforms, $49 million is being provisioned for the program in partnership with community housing organisations, to provide supportive landlord social homes for people experiencing rough sleeping in regional WA. To deliver the RSLM, $46 million is dedicated to purchasing or constructing properties, and ensuring properties meet community living standards.
The remaining $3 million will be used to provide funding over three years for community housing organisations to deliver the Regional Supportive Landlord Model to tenants in the properties.
Properties under the program will be prioritised for people who have experienced chronic homelessness or rough sleeping and are suitable for this model of support.
The RSLM was based on the long-term success of the mental health Independent Living model which assists people with severe and persistent mental health issues find and sustain housing.
The model recognises the landlord’s unique relationship with a tenant and therefore their pivotal role in the success of a tenancy. Under this model, social, health and wellbeing outcomes are prioritised over commercial objectives, with tenants linked to individualised supports to assist with their needs.
A supportive landlord model is a natural complement to Housing First principles and services.
To support the rollout of RSLM, the 2024-25 State Budget has allocated $9 million to expand Housing First Support Services (HFSS) in Geraldton, establish HFSS in Albany and undertake initial planning and service design of HFSS in Kalgoorlie.
The boost to regional social housing builds on the success of the Djuripiny Mia Supportive Landlord Model, a landmark partnership with Housing Choices WA to deliver 100 social homes across Perth, Peel and Bunbury.
