If you’re considering living in a residential service such as a registered boarding house, a rental for seniors, or supported accommodation this guide can help you get started.
It’s important to understand what you need before you start looking.
The services offered by a residential service can vary. A residential service may provide:
accommodation only
accommodation and food
accommodation and personal care
accommodation, food and personal care services, such as help showering, cleaning, or shopping.
Other things to think about:
the area or suburb you want to live in
if you want to be close to family and friends
distance to your doctors, public transport, or the shops
if you need meals provided
your budget and how much rent you want to pay.
Residential services are usually shared accommodation
It’s a good idea to ask yourself if you could share facilities such as a bathroom, kitchen, or common room. Some residential services have self-contained units with services such as meals included.
If you have any questions about shared facilities, you can ask the accommodation manager when inspecting the property.
Check the Find registered accommodation website for residential services in your area. The website includes contact details so you can contact the manager or caretaker.
If you need help, staff at a Housing Service Centre can help and arrange a visit on your behalf.
It’s important that the residential service is registered and accredited. This is to ensure the accommodation meets standards, including for safety, security and cleanliness.
Tenants living in rooming accommodation have certain rights and responsibilities.
During your visit, the manager or caretaker may give you a copy of the house rules and a Residential Tenancy Rooming Accommodation Agreement. These documents provide you with information about your responsibilities as a tenant.
House rules could include things such as:
keeping the common areas clean
where any designated smoking areas are
when visitors need to leave the house
how to pay rent
who to contact if you have a problem or question.
Make sure you’re ok with the house rules and any special conditions before applying for a room.
If you decide to apply for the room
You’ll be asked for some personal details and an emergency contact. To make filling out your application easier, you may want to gather this information in advance.
If your application is approved, you’ll be asked to sign a rental agreement.
Moving in usually means you’ll need to pay some upfront costs. This could include a bond, a rental payment, or a moving van to transport your belongings.
To help with the cost of moving, you may be eligible for financial assistance.
Financial assistance can include:
Bond loan
A Bond Loan is an interest-free and fee-free loan to cover the rental bond when you move into a rental home. The loan amount is up to 4 weeks’ rent and must be repaid.
Bond Loans are automatically approved for people experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence who have provided information about their circumstances.
Rental Grant
A Rental Grant is a one-off grant of 2 weeks’ rent to support people in housing crisis move into private rental accommodation. You can’t use a rental grant as the first 2 weeks’ rent for your new tenancy.
Before you move in, you’ll be given a rental agreement. You should read this carefully before signing, so you understand what you’re committing to.
It’s a good idea to ask a friend or family member to read the rental agreement too. They may be able to help you understand anything that you’re unsure of.
If you pay a bond, you will need to complete an entry condition report to record the condition of your room when you move in. Record any existing damage in the entry condition report. Make a copy for yourself and return it to your accommodation manager.
The best place to start is to speak to the manager of your accommodation. Most complaints can be resolved this way, as all residential services must have a complaints process in place.
You can also call us on 13 QGOV (13 74 68) for assistance.
