AHURI research on overcrowding in NSW aims to inform government policy approaches

The NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) commissioned research by AHURI on overcrowding as part of the implementation of the NSW Homelessness Strategy 2018–2023. The research was undertaken in response to analysis showing an increase in homelessness in NSW with (severe) overcrowding being the main contributor. The report, Overcrowding and severe overcrowding: an analysis of literature, data, policies and programs, published in 2019, analyses the scale and scope of overcrowding and severe overcrowding, including trends, causes, impacts and what can be done to reduce its impact.

The research found that people experiencing overcrowding are not a homogenous group, and nuanced policy approaches and interventions are required. The key findings show that those experiencing severe overcrowding are different to those experiencing other forms of homelessness. They are most likely to be families, young people, Indigenous people and tertiary students and the majority of people living in severe overcrowding were born overseas with 71% of all severely overcrowded dwellings being rentals. Overcrowding and severe overcrowding are concentrated in Sydney, particularly the suburb of Auburn, and to a lesser degree the inner city and south western suburbs.

To address overcrowding and severe overcrowding, the research offers the following approaches:

• Working with key groups affected - Severe overcrowding could be addressed by working with key groups affected and those that are well placed to represent their interests.
• Better access to housing - A lack of appropriate and affordable housing is a key driver of overcrowding.
• Programs to enable people to transition out of overcrowding - program development to enable people to transition out of overcrowding into more appropriate housing, including culturally tailored and targeted programs.
• Regulation - review of legislation, regulations and compliance in combination with measures which address underlying causes and increase availability of alternative accommodation.
• Education - education to key groups around tenancy rights and the rental market, and the provision of outreach/case management support for people at risk and with special needs.