General information only — not legal advice. This tool provides a financial snapshot only. Individual circumstances vary. Last updated: January 2026.
Households spending more than 30% of gross income on housing costs are considered to be in housing stress. This threshold is used by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation, and state and territory governments to measure housing affordability.
Higher-income households can often sustain ratios above 30%. The benchmark is most meaningful for low-to-middle income renters.
Tenancy law changes constantly.
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