Paying your rent in public housing

You will go into debt if you do not pay your rent and other bills on time.

The amount of time you have to pay a bill is different for each service provided.

For example:

• rental arrears - immediately
• damage to property charges - 30 days
• excess water charges - 30 days
• legal fees - 30 days
• bond - the date you start your tenancy
• bond assistance loan – refer to your loan repayment schedule.

If you can't make your payments, you must talk to your housing officer about the payment options that may be available.

Notice of rental arrears

You will be sent an arrears advice letter if your rent is seven days overdue.

If your rent is still not paid seven days after this first letter, you will receive a final arrears advice letter.

The letters will include a summary of what you need to pay.

Help with paying your debts

It is important that you contact your local housing office as soon as possible to let them know you are having problems paying your bills.

You can also ask to be put in contact with support services that can help you with managing your money so that you can pay your bills on time.

Agreement to pay

You may not be able to pay your debt with one payment.

The department will work with you to organise a number of payments over an agreed period of time.

This is called an agreement to pay.

For more information, contact your local housing office.