Queensland Disability Housing Coalition

A Home of Your Own

PRIVATE RENTAL HOUSING

WHAT IS PRIVATE RENTAL?

When you sign a lease and rent a property from a real estate agent or a private individual, this is called renting on the private market. The person who owns the unit or house is the lessor and the person renting is the tenant. The rights of both parties are governed by State Government legislation called the Residential Tenancies Act.

THE GOOD AND THE BAD OF PRIVATE RENTAL

If you are renting a property from a real estate agent or a private individual, it is important that you sign a lease agreement. It is also important that you read and understand the conditions of the lease before you sign it. If you require help to do this you can contact the Tenants Union or your local Housing Resource Service for assistance. If you do not have a lease the lessor or real estate agent can ask you to leave your place of residence within one calendar month. The landlord is responsible for maintenance and repairs and if you have difficulty is getting your landlord to comply with these requirements you can contact the Tenants Union.

Renting in the private market is more expensive than public rental or community housing. You will usually need to pay a bond when you move into the unit or house. If you do not have enough money for the bond, the Department of Housing has a Bond Loan Program which may be able to assist you. A Bond Loan is an interest free loan with fixed repayments for people who wish to move into private rental accommodation but cannot afford to pay the full rental bond. To find out if you are eligible for a Bond Loan you can contact your local office of the DOH (see page 8) or speak with your local TAAS Worker (see page 7).

Rental grant program - assists people who wish to move into private rental accommodation by paying a once only grant of two weeks rent. The Rental Grant does not have to be repaid. Again to find out if you are eligible for a Rental Grant you can contact your local office of the DOH (see page 8) or speak with your local TAAS worker (see page 7).

One of the things about renting privately that suits some people is that you have more flexibility to move house, or move to another town or suburb. When the lease finishes you can move on providing you give the lessor correct notice. You may also need to consider the added costs that occur each time you move.

PEOPLE TO TALK TO

For information and advice on your legal rights as a tenant and support in dealing with the lessor, contact your local TAAS Worker (see page 7). The Tenants' Union of Queensland who also provides information, legal advice and support to tenants.


Tenants Union Brisbane	3257 1108
Freecall	1800 177 761
Tenants Union North Queensland branch	4031 3194
Small Claims Tribunal	3247 4578
or in non metropolitan Brisbane contact The Civil Section of Magistrates Court.

It is usually best to try your local TAAS Worker first, after which if you still have some concerns you can contact the Tenants' Union.

There is also a group based in Brisbane that gives information and advice to people living in caravan parks and mobile homes. This organisation is called CAMRA.


CAMRA	3893 0733
Freecall	1800 061 142

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