Struggling with rent in Queensland? Here’s where to find support.

Mar 14, 2025

Rent in Queensland has never been more expensive – and for many women, it’s never been harder to keep a roof over their heads. Rental prices are soaring, wages aren’t keeping up, and the number of affordable homes is shrinking fast.

A research report from the Queensland Council of Social Services (QCOSS) highlights just how severe the issue has become:

Brisbane property prices have surged 65% since 2020, nearly double the Australian capital city average.

Statewide, new tenancy rents have climbed by 45% in the same period, outpacing the rest of the country.

Affordable rentals for low-income households have plummeted – in 2020, 23% of new lettings were affordable to low-income earners. By March 2024, this had fallen to just 10%.

Less than 1% of available rentals in Queensland are affordable to a single person earning minimum wage.

For women in crisis – particularly those escaping domestic violence, recovering from job loss, or struggling with health issues – these rising costs make rental assistance programs more essential than ever. But where do you start?

Step 1: Contact RentConnect for guidance

Before applying for assistance, contacting RentConnect is a great first step. This free service, provided by the Queensland Government through the Department of Housing, helps renters navigate the private rental market and connect with the right support programs.

RentConnect offers practical, one-on-one support to help renters:

understand their options and identify the most suitable assistance programs
find and apply for rental properties, including off-market rentals
prepare rental applications and improve their chances of securing a tenancy
access community and social housing options if eligible
connect with local real estate agents who may be more open to applicants with limited rental history.

The service is designed to remove barriers to renting by providing practical support, information and referrals. For women facing financial hardship, domestic violence or housing insecurity, RentConnect can make the difference between struggling to find a home and securing stable accommodation.

Who is eligible?

RentConnect is available to Queensland residents who:

can afford to rent privately but need help finding a property
have no or limited rental history (e.g. young people, first-time renters or women leaving crisis accommodation)
have experienced discrimination or difficulty securing a tenancy
need guidance on navigating the rental process (e.g. understand lease agreements, tenant rights and applications).

The service is not income-tested, meaning you don’t need to be receiving government payments to access support. However, you must show that you are in a position to maintain a tenancy once you secure a rental.

How to access RentConnect:

Visit your nearest Housing Service Centre (HSC) – there are 23 locations across Queensland.

Call the Queensland Government Housing Hotline: 13 QGOV (13 74 68)

Step 2: Explore financial assistance options

Once you’ve connected with RentConnect, you’ll have a clearer idea of which financial assistance programs are right for you. Here’s an overview:

1. Rent Assistance (Ongoing support for renters)

What is it?

Rent Assistance, provided by Services Australia (formerly known as Centrelink), is a government-funded, non-taxable payment designed to help eligible Australians afford their rent. The payment is intended to ease rental stress and prevent homelessness, especially as the cost of living continues to rise.

Who is eligible?

To qualify for Rent Assistance, you must:

a)Be paying rent or an equivalent housing fee. Services Australia defines “rent” broadly, meaning the payment can cover not only traditional rental costs, but also site fees for caravans and mobile homes, mooring fees for houseboats, and lodging fees in retirement villages.

b) Pay above a minimum rent threshold (see below).

c) Be receiving one of the following Services Australia payments:

i) Age Pension

ii) Disability Support Pension

iii) Parenting Payment

iv) JobSeeker

v) Austudy, ABSTUDY Living Allowance or Youth Allowance

vi) Carer Payment

vii) Family Tax Benefit Part A (above the base rate)

viii) Farm Household Allowance

ix) Special Benefit

Unfortunately, you cannot receive Rent Assistance if:

you are a public housing tenant, as your rent is already subsidised
you own (or are buying) the home you live in (except for relocatable homes)
you live in residential aged care that receives a government subsidy
you or your partner already receive rent assistance through Family Tax Benefit.

How much can you receive?

The amount of Rent Assistance you can receive depends on how much rent you pay. Payments are calculated based on a minimum rent threshold, meaning you must be paying above a certain amount to quality. Once this threshold is met, Services Australia pays 75 cents for every dollar of rent above the minimum amount, up to a maximum payment cap.

For example, as of September 2024:

A single person without children: Up to $211.20 per fortnight (if rent is $430.60 or more).

A couple without children: Up to $199.00 per fortnight (if rent is $506.74 or more).

A single parent with one or two children: Up to $235.60 per fortnight (if rent is $460.20 or more).

A couple with children: Up to $257.40 per fortnight (if rent is $591.40 or more).

Rent Assistance rates are reviewed and adjusted every six months, on March 20 and September 20, to align with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and ensure that payments keep pace with inflation.

How to apply

If you are receiving an eligible Services Australia payment and paying rent, your eligibility will be assessed automatically. However, you may need to provide evidence of your rental situation, such as a lease agreement, rent receipts or a landlord’s letter. This can be done through myGov, or by contacting Services Australia.

2. Bond loans and rental grants

What is it?

For many renters in Queensland, the upfront costs of moving into a new rental property – such as the bond and advance rent – can be a major financial hurdle. To help, the Queensland Government offers Bond Loans and Rental Grants to eligible renters across the state.

Bond Loans are interest-free loans that help cover the rental bond required by landlords and real estate agents. Since rental bonds are often equivalent to four weeks’ rent, this loan ensures that eligible renters can secure a property without facing immediate financial strain.

Rental Grants are one-off payments designed to help eligible tenants move into a rental home. Unlike Bond Loans, Rental Grants do not need to be repaid – they provide a crucial boost for those in crisis situations who might otherwise struggle to secure stable housing.

Both programs aim to prevent homelessness and support low-income Queenslanders in finding safe and affordable accommodation.

Who is eligible?

These programs are available to renters across Queensland who meet the eligibility criteria.

To qualify for a Bond Loan, you must:

be a Queensland resident
have approval for a new rental property that requires a bond
have less than $2,500 in cash or savings between all household members
have a household income that meets eligibility thresholds (assessed based on the number of people in the home)
not already living in a rental property (unless experiencing housing instability)
be able to repay the loan over 18 months in affordable installments.

To qualify for a Rental Grant, you must:

meet all the Bond Loan criteria
have not received a Rental Grant before
be experiencing a housing crisis or significant financial hardship
be able to sustain the rental after the first few weeks (i.e., afford ongoing rent payments).

If you are already living in a rental home, you are not eligible for a Rental Grant unless you are forced to move due to hardship or crisis.

How much can you receive?

Bond Loans cover up to four weeks’ rent depending on the bond required for your rental property. This is an interest-free loan, which means you only repay what you borrow over a maximum of 18 months.

Rental Grants provide a one-off payment equivalent to two weeks’ rent. Since this is not a loan, you do not need to repay it.

Together, these programs can cover up to six weeks’ worth of rental costs, making it easier for Queenslanders to secure a home without upfront financial stress.

How to apply

Find a rental property that requires a bond and meets your financial situation. Check your eligibility on the Queensland Government’s website and gather all the required documents, including proof of income, identification and details of your new rental property. Apply online through the Queensland Government’s Housing Services portal or by visiting a Housing Service Centre.

3. No interest loans for low-income renters (NILS)

What is it?

A small, interest-free loan (up to $2,000) designed to help low-income Queenslanders cover housing-related expenses without falling into financial hardship. These small, interest-free loans can be used to pay for rental bonds, advance rent, moving costs or essential household items like furniture and white goods.

Unlike traditional loans, NILS has no interest, no fees and no hidden charges – you only repay the amount you borrow. This makes it a safe and affordable option for people struggling to cover the upfront costs of securing a rental home.

Who offers it?

Who is eligible?

Queenslanders earning less than $70,000 (single) or $100,000 (couple/family) or holding a Centrelink Health Care Card.

Where is it available?

Cairns & Gold Coast (via the Queensland Government NILS pilot program)

Other areas through Good Shepard and Salvos

How to apply:

Check eligibility on Good Shepherd’s website or call 13 NILS (13 64 57).

4. Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Crisis Payment

What is it?

A one-off, non-taxable emergency payment from Services Australia for people escaping domestic and family violence, equal to one week’s rent.

Who is eligible?

You may quality if you:

had to leave your home due to domestic violence
stayed in your home but the person using violence left or was removed
were forced to leave your home due to another extreme circumstance and cannot return.

How to apply:

Visit Services Australia’s Crisis Payment page to check eligibility and submit an application.

Step 3: Access urgent housing & homelessness support

If you're at immediate risk of homelessness or need urgent support, the following organisations can help:

Tenants Queensland – Free tenancy advice & legal support
DVConnect – Emergency accommodation for domestic violence survivors: Call 1800 811 811 or visit their website
Queensland Homelessness Hotline – 24/7 support for anyone facing homelessness: 1800 474 753

No matter your circumstances, you’re not alone. If you’re struggling with rental costs or housing insecurity, reach out to these services – they exist to help you find safety, stability and a place to call home.