Types of transitional housing

Transitional housing is a form of social housing offered by registered community housing providers.

There are 3 main types of transitional housing programs, all funded by the Queensland Government.

Transitional housing programs

Community Rent Scheme

How the scheme works

Under the Community Rent Scheme, community organisations lease properties from private landlords or the Queensland Government, and then lease them to tenants.

These organisations (providers) then become the landlords of these properties. They help tenants stabilise their circumstances and eventually move on to social housing or the private rental market.

Tenants in Community Rent Scheme properties are on the housing register and have been assessed as having ‘Very High’ or ‘High’ housing needs.

Types of properties

Providers under the Community Rent Scheme manage a wide range of properties—from 1-bedroom units to 3 and 4-bedroom houses—depending on the area and what properties are available.

When you apply for social housing, you’re assessed on the type and size of property that would best meet your needs.

Sometimes providers can find accommodation for eligible applicants who need a particular type of property; for example, a large household that needs 5 bedrooms.

Community-Managed Housing – Studio Units

How the program works

Under the Community-Managed Housing – Studio Units program, community organisations provide transitional and longer term housing assistance to eligible people on the housing register that have been assessed as having ‘Very High’ or ‘High’ housing needs.

As transitional housing, these are generally shorter tenancies. The providers help tenants stabilise their circumstances and move on to the private market or longer term social housing.

If you wish to stay in one of these properties for the longer term, discuss this with your housing provider.

Types of properties

Providers under the Community-Managed Housing – Studio Units program have a range of properties, including:

• 1-bedroom apartments: usually longer-term housing for singles or couples
• self-contained studio units: generally small apartments with combined bedroom, living, dining and kitchen areas
• studio units: with some shared facilities such as a shared kitchen, bathroom or laundry.

Some properties may be furnished, and/or have communal entertainment areas and courtyards.

Same House Different Landlord

How the program works

Under the Same House Different Landlord program, the Queensland Government leases public housing properties to community organisations (providers), which rent the properties to tenants who need support to establish and manage a tenancy.

The tenancy and the property are transferred back to the government once the tenant can manage a longer term tenancy, and they then become a public housing tenant without needing to move.

How to get assistance

Usually the provider will nominate applicants for a vacancy in a Same House Different Landlord property (based on applicants on the housing register having ‘Very High’ or ‘High’ housing needs).

You can also apply to be considered for housing assistance (see below).

Sometimes a Housing Service Centre will arrange for a Same House Different Landlord provider to manage a public housing tenancy on their behalf.

Applying for transitional housing programs

There is one application process for transitional and longer term housing assistance. Read about how to apply for housing.