How to Apply

United Housing Co-operative (UHC) is committed to a fair and accountable housing application and allocation process.

UHC properties are allocated to applicants from the Victorian Housing Register (VHR), who have selected ‘Community/Co-operative Housing’ on the VHR application. To register and submit an application with UHC, you will need to have registered and have an approved Victorian Housing Register application for social housing. To apply for the Victorian Housing Register visit Apply for social housing | Housing.vic.gov.au

Contact the UHC office on 9689 8157 to enquire whether our waiting list is open.

When the UHC waiting list is open, an application pack will be sent.

UHC Application Process:

1. Applicants to fill out application, attach required documentations and return to UHC.
2. When an application is received, it is stored in the “Registration of Interest” database to be reviewed by the Tenancy Committee.
3. If there is information missing from the application, a letter will be sent out outlining the information required to successfully process the application. The application will then be assessed to ensure it meets the eligibility criteria.
4. The applicant will then be invited to attend the next round of information sessions, normally consisting of two to sessions. Training sessions occur once/twice a year. The information sessions will include an outline of the United Housing Co-operative structure and what your commitment would be if you are housed with UHC.
5. Applicants who complete the information sessions will be put onto our waiting list and ready to be housed.
6. When a vacancy becomes available, a review of the Waiting List will be conducted for all eligible applications. Properties are matched with applicants’ needs, suitability and preferences.
7. Suitable applicants will be invited to an interview with the Tenancy Selection Sub Committee for the vacancy. The Committee would review selection criteria and prioritize applicants using a points system against selection criteria:
   • the greatest housing needs
   • a commitment to Co-operative principles and practices
   • a need to live in the relevant area
   • a desire and willingness to take on the responsibilities of Co-operative membership.
8. A letter of offer is sent to the successful applicant thereafter. The successful applicant will be provided with the opportunity to view the property prior to accepting the offer. Applicants who decline an offer for housing on more than 2 occasions will lose their place on the waiting list, unless good reason is provided.
9. A letter is sent to the other unsuccessful interviewees informing that they have been unsuccessful for the current vacancy and they will continue to remain on the waiting list until another suitable vacancy becomes available.

For more information, please see the UHC brochure (revised May 2025).

If you are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, or experiencing family violence, please call 1800 825 955 – 24 hour, statewide, toll free number, to speak with a housing and support worker. This number will direct your call to a service closest to you, or if the call is outside business hours, it will be directed to Salvation Army Crisis Services.

You can also contact one of the services listed in the Getting help – DFFH Services page.

For other Affordable Housing options visit Affordable Housing | Homes Victoria

United Housing Co-operative (UHC) is committed to maintaining rents at an affordable and realistic level to minimise financial hardship and aims to balance the setting of fair and equitable rents with the financial viability of the Co-operative and maintaining high standards in all its operations.

See our Rent Policy on how rent is calculated.