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Going away from your home

Information for Queensland public housing tenants.

Can I leave my home for a short period of time, for example to go on holidays?

Yes. A temporary absence from your home is OK but you need to also seek approval to be absent for periods over 3 months:

Absences longer than 12 months will not be approved.

You must continue to pay your rent while you are away. You must also continue to provide the department with proof of your income at rent reviews.

Why do I have to tell the government if I am going away?

We need to know you’re going away to:

  • avoid possible vandalism to your home
  • know that a property has not been abandoned
  • answer any questions about why the property is vacant
  • ease a neighbour's concern about your wellbeing.

What if I am going to be away for medical treatment?

If you will be away and you need to pay fees for the medical treatment, contact your nearest Housing Service Centre to discuss your rent payments. We may be able to help you by reducing your rent while you are paying medical fees.

If you’re going away for 3–12 months, you need to complete the Request for Temporary Absence from Property form (PDF, 39KB)

What if I need to go away for an extended period of time, for example to visit family overseas?

You must complete the Request for Temporary Absence from Property form (PDF, 39KB) (also available from your nearest Housing Service Centre).

Absences for this reason will not be approved past 6 months. The department encourages you to consider a caretaker to look after the property during your approved absence.

Will going away affect my rent?

If we agree to your absence from the property, it will not affect your rent.

If you decide to have a caretaker in the property, their income will not be considered in any rent assessment that occurs while you’re away.

Licence
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia (CC BY 3.0)
Last updated:
19 March 2013

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