Finding a rental property in Perth right now is incredibly tough. If you have spent your weekends lining up in the heat with fifty other people just to view a simple unit in Armadale or Kelmscott, you know exactly how draining it feels.
For people with disabilities, this challenge is even harder. The current vacancy rate in Western Australia is at record lows, and prices have climbed significantly over the last twelve months. You are not just competing on price. You are often battling misconceptions from real estate agents and landlords who do not understand how the NDIS works or what it means to be a tenant with a disability.
At Lazariah Disability, we see this struggle every day. We support participants across Hilbert, Haynes, and the wider Perth South East corridor who are trying to find a safe place to call home.
The good news is that you are not powerless. While the market is fierce, there are proven strategies you can use to make your application stand out. This guide will walk you through exactly how to navigate the 2025 rental market, leverage your NDIS supports, and secure a tenancy that works for you.
The Reality of the Perth Rental Market in 2025
Let us be honest about the landscape. In suburbs like Armadale and Byford, finding an affordable rental is becoming harder. Landlords are receiving dozens of applications for every property.
In this environment, property managers are looking for one thing above all else: certainty. They want to know the rent will be paid on time and the property will be looked after.
Unfortunately, bias still exists. Some agents might worry that a tenant on a Disability Support Pension (DSP) cannot afford rent increases, or they might wrongly assume that having a support worker means the tenancy will be “messy” or complicated. Your goal is to dismantle these fears before the agent even meets you.
Strategy 1: The Professional Rental Resume
Most people just fill out the standard form on real estate websites. This is where you can get an advantage. We recommend creating a “Rental Resume” that tells your story and highlights your reliability.
A standard application creates a pile of data. A Rental Resume creates a human connection.
What to include in your Rental Resume
1. A short bio: Write a paragraph about who you are. Mention your interests, your connection to the local area (e.g. “I have lived in Hilbert for ten years”), and your lifestyle. If you enjoy gardening or keeping a quiet home, say so. Landlords love quiet tenants who look after the garden!
2. Proof of stable income: This is crucial. Agents love NDIS participants because the Disability Support Pension is government guaranteed income. Unlike casual workers whose hours might get cut, your income is consistent. Highlight this as a strength. If you have Commonwealth Rent Assistance, list that clearly too.
3. Your support network: Briefly mention that you have professional support from Lazariah Disability or another provider. This reassures the agent that you have assistance with maintaining the home if needed.
Strategy 2: The “Support Letter” Secret Weapon
This is the most underused tool in the rental toolkit.
Ask your Support Coordinator or Core Support worker to write a cover letter for your application. This letter should not be about your medical history. It should be about your tenancy skills.
Real estate agents do not need to know your diagnosis. They need to know you can look after the house.
A good support letter should say:
- “I am writing to confirm that [Participant Name] has a robust support team in place.”
- “Our team visits three times a week to assist with domestic duties, ensuring the property will be kept to a professional standard of cleanliness.”
- “We can confirm that [Participant Name] has impeccable capacity to manage rental payments via their public trustee/plan manager.”
This takes the pressure off the landlord. It tells them that you are actually a safer bet than a tenant without support because you have professional cleaners and property maintenance built into your lifestyle.
Strategy 3: Understanding Your NDIS “Home and Living” Supports
With the NDIS changes in 2025, known widely as the “Getting the NDIS Back on Track” bill, there is a lot of confusion about what housing support actually means.
It is important to know that the NDIS generally does not pay for rent itself. Rent is an everyday living cost. However, the NDIS does fund the supports that make renting possible.
Using a Support Coordinator
If you have Support Coordination in your plan, you can use these hours to help you find housing. Your coordinator can:
- Search for private rentals that meet your accessibility needs.
- Help you fill out the application forms.
- Attend property inspections with you to advocate to the agent.
SIL and ILO Options
If the private rental market is simply not working, or your needs are too high for a standard home, you might need to explore Supported Independent Living (SIL) or Individual Living Options (ILO).
In the Armadale and Hilbert area, there are providers who manage homes specifically for people with disabilities. These are not institutions. They are normal houses in normal streets where you share with one or two others, or live alone with support. This bypasses the public rental race entirely.
Know Your Rights: Bias and Accessibility
It is illegal for a landlord to refuse your application based on your disability. However, proving discrimination is difficult. The best defence is knowledge.
In Western Australia, tenants have specific rights regarding modifications. If you need to install grab rails or a ramp, the law is often on your side, provided you agree to restore the property when you leave.
Key resources for WA renters:
- Circle Green Community Legal: They are the experts in WA tenancy law. If you feel you are being treated unfairly or threatened with eviction, call them immediately.
- Shelter WA: They provide incredible advocacy for housing rights and have resources specifically for people with disabilities.
Local Tips for the Hilbert and Armadale Market
As a local provider, we know the South East corridor well. Here is our advice for hunting in this specific area right now.
Look for older homes in Armadale: Newer estates in Hilbert are beautiful but often have very narrow hallways and tiny bathrooms which are tough for accessibility. Older homes in the established parts of Armadale often have wider doorframes and larger rooms.
Build relationships with local agents: Don’t just email. Walk into the offices of real estate agents in Kelmscott or Byford. Introduce yourself. Agents manage hundreds of properties. If they know your face and know you are a serious, reliable applicant with government guaranteed income, they might call you before a property goes online.
Be ready to move fast: Have your bond money ready. Have your ID documents scanned and saved on your phone. When you see a house you like, apply on the spot. Speed wins in this market.
How Lazariah Disability Can Help
We understand that rejection letters are heartbreaking. It is exhausting to feel like you are fighting for a basic human right.
At Lazariah Disability, we support our participants through this journey. While we are not real estate agents, our support workers can assist you with the practical side of the hunt. We can drive you to inspections, help you keep your documents organised, and provide the regular in home support that makes you an attractive tenant to landlords.
We believe that everyone in Hilbert, Haynes, and Perth deserves a sanctuary. A place where you can close the door, relax, and just be yourself.
Do not give up. The right home is out there, and with the right strategy and the right team beside you, you will find it.
If you need support to navigate your NDIS plan or want to chat about how our team can support your independence in a new home, please get in touch with us today.
Contact Lazariah Disability to learn more about our local support services in the City of Armadale.
