Understanding the public housing tenancy and rent reviews

Why rents are being reviewed

• Some tenants haven’t had their rent reviewed for over five years, so they may not be paying the right amount.
• The reviews will help us make sure the home you live in meets your household’s needs, and that you’re rent is fair based on your income and circumstances.
• This review also gives us a chance to talk with you about your housing needs, and any extra support your household may need.

Why we review tenancies

• We review tenancies to see if your circumstances have changed and to make sure tenants still need housing assistance.
• Our goal is to balance the needs of tenants and of applicants waiting on the housing register. We want to make sure subsidised social housing support, and the use of social housing assets, is maximised to support Queenslanders in greatest need.

When the department will contact me

• You might not hear from us right away. We will contact you over the next 12 months to let you know when your tenancy review will take place and what information you’ll need to provide.
• It’s important for you to let us know about any recent changes to your household or income.  This is still a requirement of your tenancy, so please let us know.

Available help if I’m worried about being able to pay extra rent

• During rent and tenancy reviews, we’ll talk with you to explain any changes and discuss your personal circumstances.
• If your rent needs to be increased, it will be capped at $15 per week each year for the next 2 years.
• You’ll receive 4 weeks’ notice before your rent increases. You won’t have to pay the new amount until then.
• If your rent decreases, this will happen immediately.
• If you need extra financial help, a Housing Service Centre can connect you with financial support services.

If my income has gone up recently, will I be asked to leave my home?

• Income is just one of the things we look at and the review will give us the chance to discuss your household’s needs.
• If your household is no longer eligible for social housing, we’ll work with you to fully understand your circumstances and explore other housing options.
• We have a range of products and services to help you find safe and stable housing. You may need more than one service to meet your needs. We can help you make informed choices about the right ones to apply for.

I am a single parent with 2 kids and my wage has increased since I moved into public social housing – will I have to move?

• A single parent with 2 kids earning up to $80,000 a year would remain eligible for ongoing housing assistance.
• You may no longer be eligible for ongoing social housing assistance if
  • your combined gross assessable income (for the tenants/and spouse) is more than $80,000 a year
  • you or anyone in your household owns, or partly owns, property in Australia or overseas.
• Individual circumstances will be considered as part of a tenancy review.
• Find out more about ongoing eligibility for social housing.

I have spare bedrooms in my home – will I be forced to move?

• No households in this situation will be forced to move.
• Tenants living in homes that are too big for their needs will be given the option to move to another public housing property that suits them better when one becomes available.
• Eligible tenants whose needs have changed and want to move will be supported to transition to a more suitable public housing property.
• Support and incentives will be available to help households move and settle into their new home.

Do I need to contact the department about my rent or tenancy?

• Unless you have had a recent change to your household or income, you do not need to contact us. We will contact you about the tenancy and rent reviews.

Helpful information

• Contact a Housing Service Centre
• Changes to your tenancy