Frequently Asked Questions

About SDA and the NDIS

• What is SDA?

  Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is a type of home that can be funded through the NDIS.

  SDA homes are designed with accessible features that allow people with extreme functional impairment or very high support needs to live as independently as possible.

  To learn more, visit our page on Understanding SDA.

• What is the NDIS?

  The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian government program delivered by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) that provides support to people with disability, as well as their families and carers.

  It provides funding to eligible people with disability to access the supports and services they need to live an ordinary life. It aims to give individuals more choice and control over their supports, empowering them to pursue their goals and participate more fully in their communities.

• Who is eligible for SDA?

  Eligibility is determined through an individual assessment by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), which considers factors such as the level of assistance required for daily living, the need for specialist housing features, and how SDA will help a person achieve their goals and increase independence.

  The NDIS assesses each application on a case-by-case basis, considering all relevant information from the participant's support team and assessments.

  Participants may need to provide evidence from occupational therapists, clinical specialists, or other professionals.

  We’ve developed an SDA Eligiblity Tool, which is an easy-to-use, online assessment designed to assess your likelihood of accessing Specialist Disability Accommodation.

About our Tenancy Process

• How much rent is payable?

  The NDIS contributes an “SDA funding” amount under a participant’s plan and on top of that participants pay a "reasonable rent contribution" (RRC).

  We charge the RRC amount allowed by the NDIA, which is calculated based on a percentage of the participant's disability support pension, plus the full amount of Commonwealth Rent Assistance (if applicable). The same amount is charged for all property types and sizes. If there are any non-SDA participants living in the home they may be charged a separate rent amount.

  You can learn more about the RRC at our guide: ‘Understanding Reasonable Rent Contribution (RRC) for SDA: What You Need to Know’

• Will the rent be increased?

  Vera Living may increase the rent if the Reasonable Rent Contribution (RRC) set by the NDIA increases. We will always make sure to let you know in advance if the rent amount is being increased. Your agreement provides the minimum amount of notice we will give you under the heading ‘rent increases’.

• How does Vera Living claim my SDA funding?

  Vera Living claims your SDA funding directly from the NDIA after you have moved into the property. We will only reach out to you (or your support coordinator) regarding your funding if we need more information from you, or if your NDIS Plan needs to be updated to reflect changes in SDA prices.

• What furniture does Vera Living provide?

  Your Participant Engagement Specialist will let you know what furnishings come in each property. This might include white goods or common area furniture. Your Transition Coordinator will then discuss individual needs during the transition planning process.

• Can I bring my own furniture?

  Of course! This is your home and you can furnish it to your liking. If you are sharing a home with other tenants, you may need to discuss any furniture you wish to place in common areas. Your bedroom is your own space, and you can furnish it however you prefer.

• Can I personalise or decorate my room?

  We understand the importance of feeling comfortable in your own home and are there to support you. During the transition planning process, your Transition Coordinator will discuss any preferences with you, such as painting the walls in your room a colour you like.

• Can I have a pet in the property?

  We love pets! Most pets are permitted in our properties but you will need to submit an application. To make an application, ask your Tenant Support Specialist (TSS) for our pet application form. You will need to provide details about your pet, including their species/breed, name, and age.

  In a shared living arrangement, all tenants need to agree that they’re happy to have the pet in the home. The on-site support provider will also assess if the pet poses any risks to tenants and gives their approval.

  If you live in an apartment, we might also need to send the pet application to the strata committee to approve.

  We will only reject a pet application if we have reasonable grounds to do so - like if the property is unsuitable for your specific type of pet or the pet is likely to cause damage. If your pet is allowed, you will be responsible for all costs associated with keeping your pet, including fumigation and cleaning at the end of your tenancy. Remember that damage caused by your pet is not considered fair wear and tear.

• What is the notice period for moving out?

  You can let us know you are moving out at any time by giving us 30 days’ prior notice of your departure date in writing.

  If Vera Living asks you to move out, we will let you know at least 90 days ahead of time, unless we need to address a risk to you or others sooner. You can read your rental agreement to find out when Vera Living may ask you to leave.

• How do I get access to my rental ledger?

  You can request your rental ledger at any time. This will be sent to the email address provided to us during your move-in, or via another method that you prefer.

• How do I make my rent payments?

  When you fill in your agreement you can choose to pay by Direct Debit or Centrepay (if you receive Centrelink payments).

  Let your Tenant Support Specialist (TSS) know if you would like to change how you pay.

• In addition to the rent, what other costs are tenants expected to pay?

  You may need to pay for electricity, water, and any other utilities you use. The utilities you pay for will depend on what is available at the property you move into. Your Transition Coordinator and Tenant Support Specialist (TSS) will be able to let you know which utilities you will need to pay and how to pay for them.

  You will also need to pay for any additional features you would like installed in the property, such as pay tv or a wall-mounted TV.

• What should I do if urgent or emergency repairs are needed at the property?

  You must notify us of any breakages, breakdowns, and safety issues as soon as possible so we can rectify them as soon as possible.

  • If you or someone else is at immediate risk of harm, call 000.
  • If you are experiencing an urgent issue that makes the property unsafe or insecure or prevents you from using an essential service in the home, call our Emergency Hotline on 0491 947 235 (available 24/7, every day of the year).
  • If the repair is not urgent, call your Tenant Support Specialist (TSS) or use the Vera Community app to log a general maintenance request (which we will attend to during business hours).

• What rules and procedures do I need to follow in the property?

  There is an evacuation plan available in each property, which you should review and provide a copy to your support providers.

  We strongly encourage you to prepare your own personal emergency evacuation plan (PEEP) that is particular to you and your needs, and to share this with your support providers.

  If you think you would need modifications or additional devices to safely evacuate your home in the event of an emergency, please let your Transition Coordinator or Tenant Support Specialist (TSS) know as soon as possible.

  There may be reasonable property rules (set by the owner or Vera Living) and house rules (agreed between you, the SIL provider, and anyone else living in the home). You will be provided with a copy of any rules that apply to you and are invited to ask questions about the rules if needed.

  You are also invited to share your suggestions and provide feedback about health and safety matters via the Vera Community app or by contacting your Tenant Support Specialist.

• How much is the bond?

  Vera Living properties do not require a rental bond to be paid. You will need to pay for the cost of repairs if you damage the property.

• Will I require insurance?

  All Vera Living properties are covered by building insurance. This insurance does not cover your personal belongings or anything you have installed after you move in. We recommend taking out contents insurance to cover fire, theft, and other events which could affect your personal belongings.

• Who pays for gardening?

  if your home has a lawn or a garden, Vera Living will make sure it is looked after unless otherwise agreed. We also manage pest control and clear the gutters if needed. Gardens in our apartments are looked after by the body corporate that manages the apartment.

  If you think your garden needs some extra maintenance, please tell us by submitting a maintenance request.

• Are there solar panels on every property?

  Most of our houses and villas have solar panels installed. These are a great way to reduce electricity costs for the property.

  Solar panels are sometimes also installed by developers as part of apartment developments we are involved in. However, in some apartments, solar panels may be used to reduce other costs and do not affect tenants’ electricity costs. If you are moving into one of our apartments, you can ask your Transition Coordinator or Tenant Support Specialist (TSS) if it includes solar panels.

• An ‘owner’ has signed my agreement. Who is that?

  Vera Living properties, like most SDA properties in Australia, are owned by a property owner. They have agreed to invest in a property to be used as an SDA home for a long period of time. Vera Living has been appointed by the owner to manage and maintain the home and your tenancy.

• What happens when the agreement expires?

  Your tenancy and service agreements (also called your ‘lease’) have a fixed term; you can see what this is on the first page of your agreement. After the fixed term, the agreement will automatically renew for the same amount of time unless you or Vera Living choose to change or end it. You do not need to do anything to renew it at the end of each term.

  Vera Living will not end your agreement except in rare circumstances. Read your agreement to see the circumstances in which your agreement may end.

About Supports

• Who will supply my SIL/support services in the property?

  Vera Living manages your property and supplies you with a high quality, well-equipped home to live in. Vera Living does not provide or choose SIL/support services for you.

  Depending on the type of property, there may be a SIL or concierge service already operating in the property that you can utilise. However, you always have choice and control over who provides you with SIL/support services in your home. Your tenancy (right to live in the property) is not dependent on you using any SIL provider, although there may be practical benefits to using shared SIL services and if you share a home with other participants you and your housemates may need to agree to use the same SIL provider for funding reasons. Please talk to your Participant Engagement Specialist or Tenant Support Specialist (TSS) about your preferred SIL provider and how this will work in practice.

• Is there an option for providing Accessible Transportation?

  While Vera Living does not provide transportation, we always try to ensure that your home is close to public transport options, such as train stations and bus routes.

  If you have specific transportation requirements, please discuss this with your on-site support provider or Support Coordinator.

  Please note that while we endeavour to provide car parking in all our properties, in some properties parking spaces may not be available. If you have a private vehicle that requires parking, please discuss this with your Participant Engagement Specialist.