Almost 200 Menai households are affected by the changes. Some of the residents moved into their houses, then managed by the Housing Commission, when they were new.

Many raised families there, who had since moved on, leaving some alone in their houses. Some residents told the Leader they thought they would live out their days in their homes.

Now, many are unsure of their futures because of a property transfer program from their present "landlord'', Housing NSW, to St George Community Housing, which requires them to sign new lease agreements.

St George Community Housing's chief executive Nazha Saad confirmed that if residents did not sign the new agreements they could be asked to move out.

A Housing NSW spokesman confirmed those who did not sign the agreement would be given the option to relocate to two other Housing NSW properties.

Ms Saad said the housing options would be in the same geographic area.

She also assured residents that tenants already on Housing NSW continuous leases would continue to have continuous leases.

"Should people not sign there will be downsizing and people will be matched to the most appropriate housing,'' Ms Saad said. "If people moved in and had children living at home in two to three bedroom houses and are now alone they will be moved to a one-bedroom place.''

Others affected by the property transfer include the residents of 196 Riverwood houses, she said.

Hurstville-based St George Community Housing has jurisdiction over 23 local government areas.

The changes signify the difference between public housing under the auspices of the State Government-run Housing NSW and other community-housing providers such as St George Community Housing a private non-profit organisation that receives government funding.

"It's about planning for the future,'' Ms Saad said.

The Housing NSW spokesman said there would be no change in the way rents were calculated and no increase until the next annual rent review in 2010.

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