Tenancy Assist helps avoid eviction

Last updated: 

27 April 2024 1:05PM  

First published: 

27 August 2024 1:05PM

Wynnum grandmother Tina walked into her local Housing Service Centre (HSC) facing eviction from her rental home. She walked out crying – in relief.

When Tina unexpectedly found herself in significant financial hardship, she ended up in considerable rental arrears and was incurring daily penalties. She and her youngest daughter had nowhere to go.

'I didn’t want my rental history and credit history affected,' Tina said. 'I was paying extra in rent to try to pay off the debt, but I wasn’t able to get ahead. I was just struggling.

A beautiful lady in Centrelink referred me to the Bayside HSC.'

RentConnect officer Bec helped Tina access a Tenancy Assist payment, which helps people facing short-term barriers to keep their tenancy. In Tina's case, it covered her rental arrears, while a 4-week Rental Security Subsidy has helped with rental costs until Tina can regain employment.

'Bec was so lovely. It was unbelievable, she didn’t keep me waiting and quickly said there was assistance available for me. Oh man, I was crying!'

Tina said she was initially apprehensive about seeking help.

'It’s so hard to talk about this personal situation with complete strangers,'

'I had always been ahead in my rent, always.'

Tina said, 'Bec was so calm and understanding and kind. I felt just so uplifted, very much lighter. Bec and the department do wonderful work and offer amazing support. I’m so blessed.'

As part of our Homes for Queenslanders plan, we're delivering a $160 million Renters Relief Package to help tackle the cost of living. We're also doubling our team of RentConnect officers across the state and expanding eligibility for bond loans, rental grants and rental subsidies to help people like Tina access these services.

If you or someone you know needs housing help

Call 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or contact your local Housing Service Centre.

If you are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness, contact the Homeless Hotline for free on 1800 474 753 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

Find out more about housing help and support.