Social and affordable rental housing provides an important safety net for people who cannot afford housing in the general market. In 2014 a parliamentary committee noted evidence to suggest that New South Wales was experiencing ‘a social housing crisis’. It is likely that the situation has worsened since then. In recent years, demand for social and affordable housing has increased as the cost of renting in the general market has risen significantly.

This paper presents evidence on shortages of this type of housing, outlines key New South Wales and Australian Government initiatives, and summarises recent policy recommendations.