Ombudsman launches housing complaint probe

Ombudsman Deborah Glass has received more than 1000 housing complaints in the past year, some about basic services such as power and water.

"All too often we receive complaints about basic needs such as running water and electricity, and reasonably maintained, clean and safe premises," Ms Glass said.

"Many tenants tell us they don't know how to complain or feel they are not being listened to."

Public housing is government-managed for people with urgent needs, such as those who have recently been homeless, while community housing is managed by not-for-profit organisations for people on low incomes or with special needs.

The Ombudsman's probe follows a broader review of social housing regulation recently commissioned by the state government.

That review has so far proposed minimum standards for rental properties, more accountability, and a single regulator for public and community housing.

There is growing evidence that housing stress continues to worsen in Australia.

A report from the Productivity Commission last month showed nearly half of those on commonwealth rent assistance spend about a third of their income on rent.

It also found social housing supply is not keeping up with Australia's growing population, growing by 4.5 per cent since 2012 compared with population growth of 13.2 per cent.

The Ombudsman's office will meet with tenants and housing providers before the report is released in the first half of this year.

Australian Associated Press