Short answer: Yes, you can rent your house to NDIS participants — but not directly to the NDIS itself. The NDIS doesn’t act as a tenant or pay rent to landlords. Instead, you can lease your property to individuals on NDIS plans, or become a provider of NDIS-funded housing through specific programs like SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation).

Now, if you’re picturing a quick passive income stream with government-backed payments, slow down. There’s a bit more to it.

Does the NDIS lease properties directly?

No. The NDIS isn’t a rental agency or housing authority. It doesn’t sign leases, own homes, or act as a middleman between landlords and tenants.

Instead, NDIS participants — or their support networks — are responsible for finding and renting homes, just like any other tenant. Some of them may be funded for specialised housing (like SDA), or receive rental subsidies or support to live more independently.

This means if you want to “rent to the NDIS,” you’re really renting to an NDIS participant — and in some cases, via a registered housing or support provider.

Can I rent out a regular home to someone on the NDIS?

Yes. Many participants live in private rentals — either solo or in shared housing — especially if they:

• Have a support worker visiting regularly

• Use ndis in home support for cleaning, meal prep or personal care

• Need accessible features like ramps, grab rails, or step-free entry

As a landlord, you don’t need to be registered with the NDIS just to rent your property to someone on a plan. In fact, plenty of property managers already work with NDIS participants — especially in suburbs where accessible rentals are hard to come by.

What if I want to become an official NDIS housing provider?

That’s where things get more involved — and potentially more profitable, too.

To provide housing that’s directly funded by the NDIS, you’ll need to explore the Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) pathway.

SDA is for people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs. It’s not for everyone on the NDIS — only about 6% of participants are eligible. But if you meet the conditions and register as an SDA provider, your property may attract significantly higher rental payments, funded by the NDIS.

To rent under SDA, you’ll need:

• A property that meets strict NDIS design standards (e.g., High Physical Support, Improved Liveability)

• Registration with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission

• A tenancy management plan

• Compliance with local building and safety codes

• Partnerships with support providers or tenant networks

It’s not just a set-and-forget investment. But with the right setup, it can be rewarding — both financially and socially.

What types of NDIS housing models exist?

NDIS housing isn’t one-size-fits-all. There are a few key models worth knowing about:

1. SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation): For high-needs participants requiring purpose-built homes

2. SIL (Supported Independent Living): Participants live in shared or individual housing with daily support

3. ILO (Individualised Living Options): Flexible, person-centred housing supports (e.g., living with a host)

4. Standard Private Rental: Many participants live independently with home and community supports funded by the NDIS

As a landlord, you could technically be involved in any of these — but SDA is the only one where housing itself is directly funded by the NDIS.

Real example: How a Sydney couple made it work

Emma and Mark, investors in western Sydney, had an old dual-occupancy property sitting vacant. They upgraded it with ramps, wider doorways, and high-grip flooring. Then, they partnered with an SDA provider and registered under the “Improved Liveability” category.

Now, the home supports two young adults with autism and mild physical disabilities — both funded for 24/7 support. Emma says the paperwork was “a headache,” but the long-term lease and reliable payments made it worthwhile.

That’s the Consistency principle at work — once you’re in, you’ve got a reliable structure. But it’s not a casual side hustle.

What are the risks and downsides?

Like any investment, there are trade-offs:

• High setup costs: Especially for SDA, with compliance and certification

• Long lead times: Approval, construction, and tenancy matching take time

• Participant risks: Not all NDIS participants are SDA-funded or tenancy-ready

• Regulatory scrutiny: You must follow ethical and safety standards, especially for vulnerable tenants

Also worth noting: if you’re just planning to rent out a property with minor modifications (like ramps or handrails), you won’t qualify for SDA pricing — but you can still lease to participants seeking private housing with ndis in home support.

Do I need to lower the rent?

No — NDIS participants typically pay rent from their income or support payments (like the Disability Support Pension), or through housing assistance programs. Rent levels are usually set at around 25% of their income, with NDIS funding covering the rest in SDA arrangements.

But in private rentals, you’re free to set rent just like with any other tenant. It’s about finding the right match — not dropping your income expectations.

That said, making your home more accessible could improve demand and social impact. For many landlords, that’s enough incentive.

FAQ: Renting Your Home to NDIS

Can I rent my home to NDIS participants without becoming a provider?
Yes. You can rent privately to participants without being NDIS registered — especially if the participant or their support coordinator handles the lease.

Do I get paid directly by the NDIS?
No. The NDIS doesn’t act as a tenant or payer. You’ll receive rent from the participant or their nominated agent.

What’s the benefit of SDA registration?
Higher rental income, government funding, and long-term tenancies — but it requires full compliance and investment.

Can I convert an existing home into an SDA property?
Possibly. It depends on location, compliance upgrades, and the demand in your area. An SDA assessor can guide you through eligibility.

Final thoughts

Renting your house to someone on the NDIS can be more than just a rental agreement. It’s a way to offer stability, safety, and community to people who need a secure place to call home. But it’s not automatic. Whether you choose the private rental path or dive into SDA, the key is doing your homework, meeting the standards, and keeping the person at the centre of the plan.

And as always, it helps to understand the broader picture — from housing to ndis in home support — because a roof is only one part of what makes a home.

For a detailed guide, the NDIS SDA Provider Handbook is the gold-standard reference — worth bookmarking if you’re ready to take the next step.