In addition to these investments and measure to tackle housing pressures, there is a range of support options for tenants in the private rental market.
I have listed a number of programs and resources below that may be able to help you - whether you are a tenant or home owner.
Assistance for Homeowners
Home Lending Financial Assistance Mortgage Relief
The Mortgage Relief is available to eligible people who suffered an unexpected change in circumstances and are struggling to meet mortgage repayments.
You can borrow up to a maximum of $20,000 interest free, which is repayable over 10 years.
You can find out more information here https://www.qld.gov.au/housing/buying-owning-home/financial-help-concessions/mortgage-relief-loan.
You can contact the local hotline on 1300 654 322.
Financial Assistance for tenants
Rental Security Subsidy
If you’re facing short-term financial barriers, our Rental Security Subsidy can help by paying a portion of your rent directly to your property manager for up to 12 months.
The subsidy can support you if you’re experiencing financial barriers to maintaining your tenancy, such as:
- additional bills
- health issues
- the sudden loss of employment
- unforeseen caring responsibilities.
The level of rent subsidy is based on factors such as total household income and your circumstances.
To find out more and to see if you’re eligible, visit https://www.qld.gov.au/.../ren.../financial/security-subsidy
Bond Loans & Rental Grants
Our government provides a range of financial support to assist with the costs to move into a new rental, such as Bond Loans and Rental Grants, which is a one-off grant of 2 weeks rent for eligible Queenslanders.
Find out more: https://www.qld.gov.au/housing/renting/rent-assistance/financial/bond-loan/bond-loan-rental-grant-guide
No Interest Loan Scheme
The No Interest Loan Scheme provides housing loans to Queenslanders to set-up or continue their private rental tenancy.
The Set-Up Loan can help new tenants cover the cost of starting a private rental tenancy, removalists, any key deposits and essential household items.
The Rent Sustainment Loan helps current tenants meet rental payments that they may be behind with.
Find out more: https://www.qld.gov.au/housing/renting/rent-assistance/financial/no-interest-scheme-loans
General Assistance for Tenants
Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA)
The RTA provides support and advice for tenants facing a range of issues, including bond management, dispute resolutions, investigations and prosecutions.
Find out more about the RTA services: Home | Residential Tenancies Authority (rta.qld.gov.au).
RentConnect
RentConnect assists Queenslanders to find a private rental and provides an advisory service through Tenancy Assistance (TA) and Tenancy Guarantee (TG).
Tenancy Assistance helps tenants overcome short-term tenancy issues and maintain their private rental tenancy.
Tenancy Guarantee offers the owner of a rental property additional financial security of a tenancy to cover unpaid rent, property damage and other costs resulting from a breach of the tenancy agreement.
You can contact Moreton Bay Housing Service Centre to find out more: https://www.qld.gov.au/housing/public-community-housing/housing-service-centre/view?title=Moreton%20Bay%20Housing%20Service%20Centre&id=22
Queensland State-Wide Tenants Advisory and Referral Service (QSTARS)
QSTARS provides free and independent advisory and referral services to assist tenants to maintain their rental.
Find out more: https://qstars.org.au/
Assistance for Victims of Domestic Violence
Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Helping Hand Headleases
Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Helping Hand Headleases recognise the significant additional barriers that people experiencing domestic and family violence face when it comes to securing safe and affordable housing.
For more information contact Moreton Bay Housing Service Centre: https://www.qld.gov.au/housing/public-community-housing/housing-service-centre/view?title=Moreton%20Bay%20Housing%20Service%20Centre&id=22
Flexible Assistance Package
The Flexible Assistance Package is delivered with specialist domestic and family violence support services, to provide short-term assistance of up to $5000 for essential goods.
For more information contact Moreton Bay Housing Service Centre: https://www.qld.gov.au/housing/public-community-housing/housing-service-centre/view?title=Moreton%20Bay%20Housing%20Service%20Centre&id=22
Escaping Violence Payment
Up to $5000 is available for victim/survivors of domestic and family violence to cover the costs of leaving a violent partner. This payment is available from Uniting Care. You can call Uniting Care on 3253 4000 to find out more.
