Social housing exits: incidence, motivations and consequences

Falling tenancy turnover rates over the last decade have resulted in declining vacancies available to applicants in high need (AIHW 2013a). To address this, State Housing Authorities (SHAs) are seeking ways to promote the exit of existing tenants no longer deemed as in high need of housing assistance. Yet little evidence is available about the motivations for tenants to stay in, or exit, the social housing sector, and the outcomes of such exits. The aim of this study, therefore, was to identify the factors which prompt or deter tenant-initiated moves out of social housing and the factors influencing the sustainability of such moves.