Keys, utilities and insurance
Information for Queensland public housing tenants
Keys
We don’t keep a spare set of keys to your home – you are given the only set of keys at the start of your tenancy. We recommend that you get a spare set of keys cut and keep them in a safe place.
If you lose your keys, you must replace them at your own cost.
If you live in non-government-owned public housing, contact the owner’s agent on the number we gave you at the start of your tenancy. The agent can arrange to make a copy of the keys at your expense.
Electricity
Responsibility for costs and supply
You are responsible for the cost of connection and any electricity costs incurred during your tenancy.
Under the State Tenancy Agreement, you must connect and maintain a continuous electricity supply to your home. Failing to do so is a breach of your agreement. If this happens, we may need to take action which could place your tenancy at risk.
Smoke alarms and electricity supply
Electricity supply is essential for the smoke alarms installed in your home to function properly.
Your smoke alarms have a back-up battery that is charged from the power supply. The battery keeps your alarm working during a temporary interruption to the electricity supply, but is not designed to be the main power source.
Read more about smoke alarms in public housing properties.
Difficulty paying your bill
If you are having trouble paying your electricity account, contact your electricity provider as soon as possible. You may be able to arrange a payment plan to keep your electricity connected.
Read more information about having trouble paying your bill.
If you’re at risk of your electricity being disconnected, you may be able to apply for the Home Energy Emergency Assistance Scheme through your electricity provider. This scheme may provide you with one-off emergency assistance if you have an unexpected emergency or short-term financial crisis.
Power failure
If your electricity supply is interrupted, read our information on water or electricity problems.
Telephone and internet
You are responsible for the cost of connection and any phone costs incurred during your tenancy.
You must pay the cost of:
- having your phone/internet reconnected
- a second phone line installed in a home where a connection is already available.
If you move into a home where a service is available, but has never been connected, we may pay part of the connection cost.
This applies only if you have to pay a higher service connection fee because there has been no connection at that property previously.
Contact your nearest Housing Service Centre to discuss whether you're eligible for a part-department payment.
You can also read about the rollout of the National Broadband Network (NBN) in public housing properties.
Insurance
Are my belongings insured?
You are responsible for insuring your own possessions against loss or damage. This includes insuring your furniture, clothing and personal items against fire, water damage, overflowing sewage or theft.
We strongly encourage all households to get home contents insurance cover for their possessions and valuables.
Personal injury claims
If you make a claim against the Department of Housing that involves personal injury, you must make a compensation claim according to the requirements in the Personal Injuries Proceedings Act 2002 (Qld).
When considering a claim, you may choose to seek independent legal advice.