About residential services
Residential services are a type of rooming accommodation. They are often called boarding houses rentals for seniors or supported accommodation.
All residential services must be registered and accredited with the government to lawfully operate in Queensland. This is to ensure a safe, clean, and secure living environment.
Types of residential services
When looking for a place to live, there are several types of residential services you can consider. These include:
Rooming accommodation
You rent a room and share some facilities which could be kitchen, bathroom, and common areas with other residents. Meals may also be provided in this type of accommodation.
Rentals for seniors
Often known as aged rentals. This can be rooming accommodation or self-contained units. Meals are included and the residential service caters for mainly seniors or retired persons.
Supported accommodation
This type of accommodation includes personal care services for people with particular needs. Personal care services can include help showering, cleaning, or shopping.
Meals may also be provided in this type of accommodation.
Is a residential service right for you?
Our guide to moving into a residential service can help you decide.
Finding a registered residential service
The Find registered accommodation website lists all registered residential services in Queensland.
To find a registered service, use the search box at the top of the website and enter the suburb or postcode where you are looking. You can also set an area range, for example 20km, and select if you require food or personal care services.
Residential services must be registered and accredited
It's important to check that your accommodation is registered before moving in. This ensures your accommodation meets the minimum standards. These standards include safety, security, and cleanliness. Residential services providing meals and personal care must also meet extra requirements.
Benefits of an accredited residential service
Some of the benefits of living in accredited accommodation include:
- a safe and clean living environment
- regular smoke alarm and fire safety testing
- a security and emergency plan in case of fire, flood or other severe events
- your right to privacy
- procedures to protect residents from abuse and neglect
- a complaints process—if there is a problem
- nutritious meal services in aged rental complexes and supported accommodation homes.
Unregistered residential services
Operating an unregistered residential service is illegal. If you suspect a residential service is unregistered, contact us to report it.
Report an illegal residential service by:
- Email: regulatoryservices@housing.qld.gov.au
- Phone: (07) 3013 2666