What Module 5 covers and who needs it
The NDIS Commission's Supplementary module: Specialist disability accommodation applies to NDIS providers registered to provide SDA to participants. SDA is registration group 0131, a certification-pathway group, so Module 5 is assessed on top of the full Core Module. The module works alongside the NDIS (Specialist Disability Accommodation Conditions) Rules 2018 and your state or territory's residential tenancy legislation.
The module has five outcomes:
- Rights and responsibilities. Each participant's access to SDA is consistent with their legal and human rights, and they are supported to exercise informed choice and control.
- Conflict of interest. A participant's choice of SDA dwelling doesn't limit their choice and control over their other NDIS supports.
- Service agreements with participants. Each participant is supported to understand the terms of their dwelling and the associated service or tenancy agreements.
- Enrolment of SDA properties. Each dwelling meets the design type, category and other standards identified when it was enrolled.
- Tenancy management. Each participant can exercise choice and control and is supported by effective tenancy management.
What auditors look for
A Module 5 audit looks at both the paperwork behind each tenancy and the condition of each dwelling. Areas of focus drawn from the module's indicators:
- Separation of housing and support. A conflict of interest policy participants can access, documented management of actual or perceived conflicts, and separate agreements for accommodation and other supports where applicable.
- Compliant agreements. Written agreements that meet the SDA Conditions Rules and tenancy law, explained in the participant's preferred language and format, with signed copies given to participants.
- Dwellings that match their enrolment. Evidence that each dwelling meets its design category and density requirements, and is maintained in good repair with attention to safety, security and privacy.
- Vacancy and tenancy processes. Documented policies for declaring, advertising and filling vacancies in shared living, with participant input, and arrangements with other providers for coordination, emergencies and changes in circumstances.
- Safety and response. Dwelling safety features and evacuation procedures explained to participants, plus working complaints and incident management systems.
How the package maps to Module 5
| Audit scope | What the package provides |
|---|---|
| Core Module | Governance, risk management, incident and complaints handling, worker screening, continuous improvement and quality management documents |
| Module 5 | Tenancy management frameworks, property maintenance systems, emergency and safety procedures, participant rights documentation and compliance registers aligned with SDA requirements |
| Other modules | Modules 1 to 4 are included too, if your registration groups bring them into scope |
Every document is an editable Word file, so you can align agreements and procedures with the tenancy law in your state or territory and with each dwelling. SDA providers often work alongside SIL providers, who are audited against a separate SIL module. See the full package contents, or how the modules fit together in NDIS Practice Standards explained.
This page is general information based on NDIS Commission and government sources at the date shown. It is not legal or professional advice, and the rules can change. Check the NDIS Commission's current requirements and read our disclaimer.