The affectionately named Granny Flat is a small, separate house out the back of another larger house, like a bungalow. They are often used by families who want to live close by their older relatives or teenage children.
If you don’t have a Granny Flat, but you do have a friend or relative with a backyard or land where you could put one, you can rent one from the Office of Housing.
Like Public Housing, Movable Units cost 25% of your income.
They are small houses that have a loungeroom, small kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. A stove, heater and a hot water service are also provided. Walls and ceilings are fully insulated, and vinyl floors are fitted in the kitchen and bathroom areas with carpet in the lounge-room and bedroom. Two bedroom units are also available for couples with medical needs.
The waiting time for Movable Units is approximately 3-6 months and all connections such as sewerage, electricity and gas are supplied at no charge by Homes Victoria. The owner of the property needs to help you to apply with a Certificate of Title and sewerage plan. When the Movable Unit is no longer required it is removed and relocated to another home.
How do I apply?
Call us on 1300 765 178 for more information, call Homes Victoria directly on 1300 650 172, or apply to them directly online at www.housing.vic.gov.au/apply-movable-unit
Cost | Rent is 25% of your income |
Eligibility | -Be over 55 or have a disability -Receiving an income from Centrelink -Have under $31,520 in assets |
Adaptability for changing physical needs/maintenance | Units are adapted to suit your needs and modifications and maintenance are done by the Department of Housing |
Location | In the backyard of a friend or relative who you feel you can live closely to. |
How long can you stay there? | As long as you need it or until the home owner no-longer wants the unit in the backyard |
Legal Coverage | Tenants in Movable Units are not covered by the Residential Tenancies Act and do not have strong rights under Victorian law. For more information on laws that govern living in a Movable Unit contact Home at Last’s Retirement Housing Service on 1300 765 178. |
Moveable Units suit older people who want to live close to family and/or friends, but also have their own independent accommodation.
Two designs available for Movable Units
6 * 6 metre movable unit floor plan.
8 * 5 metre movable unit floor plan.
Source: https://housing.vic.gov.au/designs-costs-and-transfers