Application of performance outcomes by housing development operational stage

This guidance applies to registered community housing providers undertaking housing construction and development projects. It outlines the approach to compliance assessments based on a provider’s stage in the housing development lifecycle.

Community housing providers may operate at different stages—such as planning, construction, or tenancy delivery—and not all performance outcomes apply at every stage. For example, a provider in the planning or construction phase without active tenancies may not be required to demonstrate compliance with Tenant and Housing Services performance outcomes during the initial compliance assessment. However, the Registrar may require evidence of this compliance before the provider transitions to the tenancy delivery stage.

This document serves as a general guide only. Registrars will determine specific compliance requirements based on each provider’s circumstances and associated risk factors. Providers may be asked to supply additional information to demonstrate performance outcomes as part of the Registrar’s assessment.

Housing development operational stages

Table 1: Definitions – Housing development operational stages 

Stage 

Definition  

Trigger  

Planning Stage 

The agency is registered but has not commenced housing activity or tenancy delivery. 

Not applicable – this stage applies by default unless the agency is already operating in another stage at the time of registration.   

Acquisition and -Construction Stage 

The agency has made a contractual or financial commitment to acquire, develop, or manage housing. 

Examples include: 

  • signing a construction or acquisition contract 
  • entering a head lease 
  • securing capital, debt or operating funding that obliges the agency to deliver housing. 

Tenancy Delivery Stage 

The agency is actively allocating housing,or engaging with prospective tenants or tenants. 

Examples include: 

  • engaging prospective tenants for a specific property 
  • executing tenancy agreements 
  • delivering tenancy services. 

Note: Stages are not reversible. An agency remains in its current stage until it meets the trigger for the next stage.

Table 2: Performance outcomes based on operational stage

Performance  Outcomes

Performance Requirement

Planning  
Stage

Acquisition and Construction Stage

Tenancy Delivery Stage

Tenant and Housing Services

1.   Eligibility, allocation and termination of assistance 

✅

2.  Rents 

✅

3.  Housing service standards 

✅

4.  Tenant and resident engagement 

✅

5.  Access to support for applicants and tenants with complex needs 

✅

6.  Complaints and appeals 

✅

7.  Satisfaction with assistance provided 

✅

Housing Assets

1.  Strategic asset management 

✅

✅

2.  Property condition 

✅

3.  Maintenance of properties 

✅

4.  Asset development 

✅

✅

✅

Community Engagement

1.  Promotion of community housing 

✅

2.  Contributing to socially inclusive communities 

✅

Governance

1.  Planning 

✅

✅

✅

2.  Decision making 

✅

✅

✅

3.  Compliance with legal requirements and government policies 

✅

✅

✅

4.  Expertise of governing body 

✅

✅

✅

Probity

1.      Code of conduct 

✅

✅

2.      Employment and appointment

✅

✅

3.      Prevention and handling of improper conduct

✅

✅

4.      Protection of sector reputation

✅

✅

Management

1.  Effective utilisation of assets and funding

✅

✅

2.  Appropriate structures, systems and documentation 

✅

✅

Financial Viability

1.  Capital structure

✅

✅

✅

2.  Financial performance

✅

✅

✅

3.  Risk exposure

✅

✅

✅


Community housing provider obligations

Community housing providers must meet the following obligations when progressing through housing development operational stages: 

  • Notify the Registrar when progressing to a new operational stage by submitting a notification via the NRSCH website or through direct engagement with your Analyst.  
  • This includes activities that trigger entry into the Acquisition and Construction Stage (e.g. acquiring housing, entering a head lease, or initiating construction) or the Tenancy Delivery Stage (e.g. allocating housing or signing tenancy agreements). 
  • Maintain compliance with applicable performance outcomes and requirements at all times 
  • Demonstrate compliance with applicable performance outcomes and requirements when requested by a NRSCH Registrar 

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