Help finding and applying for a rental (RentConnect)
If you’re struggling to secure a rental home, our RentConnect service can help.
About RentConnect
RentConnect can help you:
- find and apply for a place to rent
- overcome barriers so you can stay in your current rental home.
How RentConnect can help you find a rental
If you’re struggling to access the private rental market due to:
- limited rental history
- a lack of skills, knowledge or understanding of how the private rental market works
- a lack of documents required for private rental applications.
RentConnect may be able to help.
We can also help with short-term financial barriers including:
- Bond loans and rental grants to cover the cost of moving into a new rental.
- No interest loans for low-income earners living in the Cairns or Gold Coast areas who need extra help to set up or continue a rental tenancy.
- A Rental Security Subsidy to help with the cost of your rent.
How RentConnect works
RentConnect officers will ask you some questions to understand your situation and work out what help you may need. This may include helping you to:
- find a home to rent
- understand the rental application process
- fill out rental application forms
- contact local real estate agents
- lease a property through the Queensland Government.
Eligibility for RentConnect
To receive specialised help to find and apply for a rental home, you’ll need to:
- be facing non-financial barriers to renting a home
- be able to successfully manage a private rental tenancy
There is no income assessment to access non-financial assistance.
Eligibility requirements apply for financial support.
Where to find RentConnect
RentConnect services are available in all Housing Service Centres:
To make an appointment:
- Phone 13 QGOV (13 74 68)
- Find a Housing Service Centre.
How RentConnect helped Clifford
Clifford had to move twice due to the sale of rental properties.
His local RentConnect team helped him into a new rental and provided financial assistance with a Bond Loan to help with the cost of moving.
Information about finding and renting a home
The Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) has useful information to help you find a rental home that fits your needs and budget.
This includes:
- choosing a rental property
- minimum housing standards
- the median (or average) rental price by postcode
- holding deposits
- tenancy databases, including how to check or dispute a listing
- starting a tenancy
- your rights and responsibilities when renting.
Tips for applying for a rental home
The application process can be time-consuming and there may be many people applying for the same rental. Follow these steps to save time and increase your chances of being offered a rental home.
You should always inspect a potential rental property carefully before applying for it to make sure it matches your needs.
The property owner and/or tenancy manager are responsible for making sure the property:
It's important to try your best to make a good impression when applying for a rental property. You may be competing for the property with several other people.
Some tips for making a good impression:
- be on time for appointments and open inspections
- dress neatly
- introduce yourself briefly and answer questions politely
- have a list of questions to ask about the property.
Once you find a rental property you like, you'll need to complete an application and attach supporting documentation.
The application form will list the supporting documents required, but usually you’ll be asked to provide proof of identification and proof of income.
Proof of identification
The application form will list the type and number of identity documents you need to provide. You will generally need to provide 100 points of identification, with at least 1 photo ID.
Proof of identification can include:
- a driver’s licence, passport, or photo identification card.
- birth certificate
- Medicare and/or Health Care Card
- Student card (issued by school, TAFE or university)
- Bank card or most recent bank statement in your name
- copies of utility bills in your name such as electricity or phone accounts—it’s best not to provide copies of overdue bills or final notices.
Proof of income
You’ll need to show proof that you can afford your rent and are able pay your rent on time. The required documents may vary from person to person, but in general, you may be asked to provide copies of:
- 2-3 recent payslips
- Centrelink or Department of Veterans’ Affairs statement
- employment contract
- bank statement
- your last Notice of Assessment from the Australian Taxation Office (if you’re a contractor or self-employed).
It’s a good idea to gather this information before you start looking so when you find a suitable rental, you can apply straight away.
When applying for a rental property, you’ll be asked to provide the contact details for 1-2 referees.
Referees are people who can confirm your ability to pay rent and maintain a rental property.
If you have rented a property before
Provide contact details (name, email, phone number) of the property owner or tenancy manager from your last rental. You may also need to provide rent receipts or copies of your rental payment records.
If you are a first-time renter
You can provide personal references (e.g. employer, neighbours, friends, teachers, principals, community members) to show you will be a good tenant.
If your personal referee is someone you've stayed with, they could state whether you:
- paid board
- paid on time
- contributed to utility costs
- kept the home clean and tidy
- kept furniture and appliances in good condition.
Remember to let your referees know that they may be contacted. Most rental applications include a privacy consent form. This gives the property owner or manager permission to contact your referees.
Related information
- Cost of living support - Find out about concessions, charity support and emergency relief.