07 November 2023
Minister for Housing
The Honourable Meaghan Scanlon
- 1,692 more Queensland renters have received government support during in the last quarter between July and September to help stay in their home
- Financial support is available to help cover rent, rent increases and bonds
- It comes as Queensland continues its big housing build to help deliver 14,100 homes
The Palaszczuk Government continues to provide support for Queensland renters to help them stay in their home.
In the last quarter between July and September, $9.7 million was provided to 1,692 new households for things like rent, rent increases, bonds and other supports.
Supports available include:
|
Bond Loans |
Interest-free loans for the rental bond on properties to a maximum of four weeks rent. |
|
Bond Loan Plus |
Provides the ability to borrow up to six weeks rent, interest and fee-free, repaid over 18 months. |
|
Rental Grants |
Once-only, non-repayable grants equivalent to the amount of two weeks rent to help people move into a new rental home |
|
RentConnect Services |
Assists Queenslanders to find, secure and keep a home to rent in the private market, including advisory services, tenancy assistance and tenancy guarantees. RentConnect officers work with local real estate agents and property managers ensuring vulnerable, low-income households are given the best chance of renting privately |
|
Rental Security Subsidy |
Financial support to overcome unexpected, short-term life events to maintain a private tenancy |
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Regional Discretionary Fund |
Provides a one-off grant and/or brokerage service to help clients to commence or continue a private market tenancy by providing one-off assistance to overcome the particular barriers impeding them from accessing and keeping a private market tenancy that is both affordable and appropriate. |
|
Flexible Assistance Packages (DFV) |
Flexible Assistance Package provides tailored brokerage support to women and their children who are homeless or at risk of homelessness due to DFV. Short term, practical assistance of up to $5000 may be provided in situations where funding for essential goods and services, including temporary accommodation, is not readily available through existing community and government supports and services. |
The Palaszczuk Government doubled the Rental Security Subsidy after the Housing Summit to cover up to $10,000 for 12 months.
Quotes attributable to Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon:
“Queensland renters aren’t immune from the impacts of national housing pressures.
“While we build more social and affordable homes and unlock more supply, we’re also helping renters bridge that gap and stay in their home.
“Whether you need help with a bond, or financial support to cover rent increases – there’s assistance available if you need it.”
Rachel O’Donnell who never thought she’d be a mum, let alone face homelessness:
Not long after going to the emergency department seeking treatment for inexplicable stomach pain which turned out to be unexpected, early labour, Xavier arrived.
Less than a month later, still in shock at being a mum, Ms O’Donnell was facing the real possibility of being homeless with a premature newborn when her lease was not renewed and she was unable to find another rental property.
That’s when she turned to the Chermside Housing Services Centre, where staff had previously helped her address rental arrears accumulated while she was in hospital and unable to work.
Through RentConnect, Ms O’Donnell, a childcare worker for 30 years, secured a two-bedroom unit in Windsor, close to health services Xavier needs.
Xavier has Down’s Syndrome and complications from his premature birth. She had been told by doctors that polycystic ovarian syndrome meant she could not have children.
The RentConnect service helps Queenslanders struggling to access the private rental market due to non-financial barriers, find and secure a tenancy.
“(Staff member) Karen was amazing. I cannot speak highly enough of her, she bent over backwards for us, she was life-saving.
Xavier’s dad Jason visits regularly, with their beloved French Bulldog puppy Max.
“The place is beautiful, it’s practically new inside, it’s secure. I’ve got nothing to complain about.
“Xavier is the cruisiest, happiest baby. And I still sometimes go, wow, I can’t believe he’s here.”
ENDS
Media contact: Francis Dela Cruz – 0420 592 078
