Renting in later life: your options in Queensland and NSW

Plenty of people rent in later life. Some never owned a home. Some sold years ago, went through a separation, or used their savings to help family. Others own a home but would rather rent somewhere smaller and keep the money from the sale to live on.

Renting can suit you if you want to stay flexible, avoid big upfront costs, or leave maintenance to someone else. It can also suit people who want to try a new town before committing to it.

The trade-off is security. A rental is not yours, so you depend on the landlord and on tenancy law. Rent can go up over time, and that matters on a fixed income. Going in with your eyes open helps.

A seniors rental village is a group of units or small homes for older people, where you pay rent rather than buying in. Many have a community room, gardens and a manager on site. Some include meals or a few extra services for a fee. They don’t usually provide personal or nursing care.

These villages are run by a mix of operators, from not-for-profits to private businesses. The rent, what’s included and the type of agreement you sign can vary a lot. Some residents have a standard residential tenancy agreement. Others sign a different kind of contract, which may be covered by other laws, such as retirement village law.

Before you sign, ask exactly what the weekly cost covers, how and when it can go up, and which law your agreement falls under. If you are not sure, the RTA (Queensland) or NSW Fair Trading can help you work it out.

• What is included in the rent, and what costs extra?
• How often can the rent or fees go up, and by how much?
• Is this a residential tenancy agreement, or another kind of contract?
• What happens if my health changes and I need more help?
• How much notice do I, or the operator, have to give to end it?

Social housing is long-term rental housing for people on low incomes who can’t find a suitable home in the private market. It includes public housing, run by the state government, and community housing, run by not-for-profit groups. Rent is usually based on a share of your income.

In Queensland, you apply through the Queensland Government, and you can talk to your nearest Housing Service Centre about your situation. To be eligible you generally need to live in Queensland, be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, not own property, and be within the income and asset limits. You also need a housing situation that is affecting your wellbeing.

In NSW, you can apply online, call the Housing Response Centre on 1800 422 322 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm), or get help in person at a Homes NSW office. Eligibility is similar: live in NSW, be a citizen or permanent resident, be within the income limits, and not own assets that could solve your housing need. The NSW Government has an online tool that estimates waiting times in different areas.

Be ready for a wait. In both states, being eligible does not guarantee an offer, and people with the most urgent needs are housed first. Some community housing providers have homes set aside for older people, so it is worth asking about this when you apply.

Commonwealth Rent Assistance is an extra payment from Services Australia to help with rent. It is added to your regular payment. You don’t need to apply for it separately. Services Australia checks whether you can get it when you claim a payment, or when you tell them your rent or address has changed.

To get it, you need to receive an eligible payment, such as the Age Pension, Carer Payment or Disability Support Pension. You also need to pay more than a minimum amount in rent or similar costs. Eligible costs include private rent, fees in a retirement village, fees in an over-55s village or lifestyle park, board and lodging, and site fees.

You can’t get Rent Assistance if you rent your home from a state housing authority, such as public housing in Queensland. Renting from a community housing provider may still count. The amount depends on how much rent you pay and your situation, so check with Services Australia.

Renting from a private landlord gives you the widest choice of homes and suburbs. It can also be the hardest part of the market, especially on a pension, when rents are high and competition is strong.

A few things can help. Have your references, proof of income and ID ready to go. Think about what you will need in five or ten years, not just now: steps, stairs, a walk-in shower, and how close you are to the shops, the doctor and public transport. A ground-floor unit near a bus stop may serve you well for much longer.

Ask about the length of the lease. A longer fixed-term lease can give you more certainty about where you will live. Read the agreement carefully, and keep copies of everything, including the entry condition report and photos of the property when you move in.

Tenancy law protects renters in both states. In Queensland, the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) explains the rules and holds rental bonds. You can call the RTA on 1300 366 311. In NSW, NSW Fair Trading explains renters’ rights and handles bonds and complaints.

Both states have tightened the rules in recent years. In Queensland and NSW, rent can generally only go up once every 12 months. In NSW, a landlord must give at least 60 days’ written notice of a rent increase, and you can apply to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) if you think an increase is excessive. Both states have also limited when a landlord can end a tenancy without a reason. The details depend on your agreement, so check before you act.

Free tenant advice is also available. In Queensland, Tenants Queensland gives advice to renters. In NSW, the Tenants’ Union of NSW and local Tenants Advice and Advocacy Services can help, including if you have a tribunal hearing.

If you are falling behind on rent, or you have been told you must move out, please don’t wait. Getting help early gives you more options. Talk to a tenant advice service about your rights, and contact Services Australia to check you are getting all the payments you are entitled to.

If you are homeless or at risk of losing your home, there is free help in both states. In Queensland, call the Homeless Hotline on 1800 474 753. In NSW, call Link2home on 1800 152 152, which answers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These lines can help with emergency accommodation and connect you with local services.

For families: older people often say “I’m fine” when they are not. If a parent seems worried about money or is putting off opening letters from the landlord, a gentle question can make a big difference.