Homes for Queenslanders: Backing Bundy renters

• Miles Government backing Bundaberg renters with new package to provide more direct cost of living support, rights and protections
• $160 million support package will provide more assistance for people to find, get and keep a rental home

Link to images: https://tinyurl.com/vbrmaf9e

More direct cost of living support, rights and RentConnect officers are on the cards for Bundaberg as part of the Miles Government’s Homes for Queenslanders.

Greater support follows stories like Amy Thompson’s, who secured a four-bedroom home with the help of RentConnect officers after experiencing two periods of homelessness and a stint in emergency housing.

The plan includes a new state-wide Renters Relief Package, backed by $160 million funding over five years.

As part of the package, extra funding will help more renters to find, get and keep a rental, while more staff will be hired to help Queenslanders connect with rental supports and services.

The government will also establish a new portable bond scheme to allow renters to transfer their bond when relocating from one rental property to another.

Whilst this scheme is being established, a new Bridging Bond Loan product will be introduced to assist households to afford the upfront cost of a new bond, pending release of their old bond.

A new rental sector Code of Conduct will be explored with all parties to crack down on dodgy and unprofessional practices and ensure better protections for renters.

Rent bidding will be banned and penalties will be enforced against agents who engage or encourage these practices. The limit for rent increases to only occur once a year will also be applied to the rental property not the tenancy to further stabilise rents.

Renters’ rights will be strengthened further by progressing new amendments to Queensland’s rental laws to:

• create a framework for parties to agree on installing modifications in rental properties
• protect renters’ privacy by requiring 48 hours entry notice and a prescribed form to be used to apply for a rental home, with any information collected to be handled securely
• limit reletting costs based on how long is left on a fixed term lease, and
• ensure renters have a fee-free option to pay rent, choice about how they apply for a rental property and receive utility charges promptly.

The Miles Government will double the number of specialist customer service staff in the state’s 21 Housing Service Centres by hiring an additional 42 RentConnect officers.

These vital frontline workers will help connect renters with the supports and services they need to get and keep a rental home.

In fact, last financial year we provided around $85 million to help 78,000 Queensland renters with Bond Loans, Rental Grants, RentConnect services and Rental Security Subsidy payments.

This includes 477 Bond Loans (including bond loans and bond loan plus)  and 130 Rental grants provided to renters here in Bundaberg.

Quotes attributable to Member for Bundaberg Tom Smith:

“A lot of families in Bundaberg are finding themselves in the same boat as other families across the country – that is, they’re facing pressures from low vacancy rates and rising rents.

“I want people to know that help is there if you need it.

“Listening to stories like Amy’s, I know just how much of a difference the support package in Homes for Queenslanders will make for our community.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing, Local Government and Planning and Minister for Public Works Meaghan Scanlon:

“More than one in three Queenslanders rent and we know plenty are in need a helping hand at the moment, many for the first time.

“Whether it’s more financial support to help cover the cost of renting, or more rights and protections to make it fairer and easier to find and keep a rental, Homes for Queenslanders is there.  

“Increasing housing supply will take time, but there are things we can do now while supply catches up.

“We need to look across the entire market all the way from empty nesters moving into smaller homes, right through renters saving deposits for their first home, through those who are currently homeless, getting them into public or social housing and supporting them on that journey.”

Quotes attributable to Bundaberg renter Amy Thompson, who secured a four-bedroom home with the help of RentConnect officers after experiencing two periods of homelessness and a stint in emergency housing:

“Life seems a lot easier now. Everyone is a lot happier, even myself and my partner,’’ says Amy, who cares for their five children – three of whom have intellectual disabilities and ADHD – while partner Floyd works in security.

“It’s walking distance to the school and to the shops if I need it, and it’s really nice and quiet for my kids,’’ says Amy.

“Before we were living day-to-day, whereas now we can see the future.”

Further information:

Anyone who needs housing assistance can contact the Bundaberg Housing Service Centre on 4331 7900 during business hours or call the 24/7 Homeless Hotline on 1800 474 753.

ENDS

Media contact: Francis Dela Cruz - 0420 592 078