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Consumer Affairs Victoria

What is specialist disability accommodation (SDA)?

An SDA dwelling is either: 

  • an enrolled SDA dwelling with the NDIA; or  
  • a permanent dwelling that provides accommodation and daily independent living support is provided to one or more residents with a disability funded by a specified entity or program. 

The SDA dwelling can be occupied under an SDA residency agreement, providing increased protections, or a standard Residential tenancy agreement. Learn more about the difference between the agreements.  

In July 2019, SDA residency agreements became part of the Residential Tenancies Act 1997. We now regulate these agreements under Victorian renting laws.

Important: Legislation has changed, and you must give 90 days’ notice for a rent increase. Read about changes to the rental laws.

Providers

An SDA provider means a person who is the owner or leaseholder of an SDA dwelling if the premises are let under, or are proposed to be let under, an SDA residency agreement or residential rental agreement to an SDA resident. 

This can include: 

  • private rental providers 
  • family members of people with a disability 
  • organisations (not-for-profit or for-profit).  

To register as a provider or enrol housing as SDA with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), visit the SDA registration and enrolment - NDIS website.

Residents

An SDA resident is a person with a disability who: 

  • receives, or is eligible to receive, funded daily independent living support; and 
  • is residing, or proposes to reside, in an SDA dwelling under an SDA residency agreement or residential tenancy agreement. 

For NDIS SDA eligibility criteria, visit the NDIS Specialist Disability Accommodation page.

Support people

People who help residents understand their rights and responsibilities in SDA, such as:

  • carers
  • advocates
  • guardians
  • family members or friends
  • Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers
  • Daily independent living support providers.

Need help?

For more information about specialist disability accommodation, call our dedicated SDA support line on 1300 40 43 19. The line is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday - except for public holidays.

Calling us costs the same as a local call. Extra charges may apply if you are calling from overseas, on a mobile or payphone. For other options including the National Relay Service, Contact us.

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