Maintenance debts
A maintenance debt occurs when:
- the department repairs your home during your tenancy for damage that is not considered as fair wear and tear and charges you for the repair costs
- when you move out of your home, repairs not caused by normal fair wear and tear, rubbish removal or cleaning are needed.
Maintenance debts are added to your rental account if you, anyone in your household or your visitors damage the home in any way (other than fair wear and tear).
Money owed for repairs, cleaning or maintenance
We will charge the cost to your account and tell you about the debt. You can repay the debt in full or ask to repay in instalments.
If you don't agree with the charges, contact your nearest Housing Service Centre to discuss and ask for a review of the debt.
If you owe money to us for rent or maintenance costs, you must repay it—you can repay your debt in instalments.
You can still apply for housing assistance or a bond loan, and we will assess your circumstances.
If you are eligible for social housing, you will be placed on the housing register and we will talk to you about a repayment plan to pay back your debt.
How to repay a maintenance debt
You can repay your maintenance debt:
- via electronic direct deduction from your Centrelink payment (Rent Deduction Scheme), Department of Veterans’ Affairs payment (Direct Deduction Facility), or direct debit from your bank
- using a Payment Slip to make repayments at any Australia Post office or agency (you can get a Payment Slip from your nearest Housing Service Centre)
- by phone or internet banking using BPAY (use Biller Code 747337 and your maintenance payment reference number – a 10-digit reference number – which you can find on your payment slip).