Private Rental Housing

Renting a home through a real estate agent is the main way that people find a place to live throughout Australia.

For many decades, the proportion of Queenslanders renting on the private rental market has been gradually increasing. At the same time, the proportion of Queenslanders owning homes has been gradually declining.

Finding a private rental

Most private rentals are advertised through the two main real estate sites, realestate.com.au and Domain. Searching these sites will give you an idea of what is available in the area you want to live in.

If you're happy to share a house with other people, there are affordable options which you can browse through sites such as Flatmates.

Assistance is available from the Queensland Department of Housing in the form of Bond Loans and rental grants to start a new rental.

The Rental Tenancies Authority regulates rentals and has a telephone advice line and many resources to help explain the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords. Tenants Queensland also offers an advice line for tenants.

The initial and future cost of private rental, insecurity of tenure and variable experience with repairs and maintenance are the main issues in this form of housing.

Services

Non-Profit Housing Companies

These not-for-profit organisations provide access to affordable housing for low or below-average incomes, via programs including Community Rent Scheme (CRS), Long Term Community Housing (LTCH), Community Managed Studio Units (CMSU), & the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS).

The three main options include:

• Social housing (including Indigenous Housing & Homelessness Programs): rentals for low to moderate income families and individuals
• Community Housing: those with low incomes - income-based rental accommodation
• Affordable housing: those with a moderate income who are in housing stress

Boarding & Rooming Houses and Hostels are regulated forms of housing. Search for a service to find options near you.