Visitors

Can visitors stay in my public housing property?

Yes. Visitors can stay but you need to tell us:

• if your visitors are staying more than 4 weeks
• your visitors' names
• the date they arrived
• how long they are going to visit.

If your visitors stay less than 4 weeks—your rent will not change.

Can my visitors stay for more than 4 weeks?

Visitors who stay longer than 4 weeks, are usually considered 'residents' and their income is included in your rent assessment.

Sometimes we accept visitors staying longer than 4 weeks. In those cases their income may not be included in your rent assessment. Talk to your nearest Housing Service Centre for more information.

Am I responsible for the behaviour of my visitors?

Yes—you are responsible for the behaviour of all the people in your property. For example, you may be in breach of your tenancy agreement if a visitor causes a nuisance or interferes with the reasonable peace, comfort or privacy of a neighbour.

What if my visitor stays regularly?

If you have a visitor who often stays at the house and leaves before they’ve been there 4 weeks (so they don’t have to pay rent) we will add up all the time they have been in the house. If this time is over 4 weeks, we will assess their income to work out the new amount of rent your household will need to pay.

What if I don't tell the department about my visitors?

The Housing Act 2003 requires you to tell  us about any changes to your household within 28 days of the change occurring.

If you do not tell us about your visitors, you may incur a penalty under the Housing Act 2003; and your rent may be backdated.