Rent arrears
When you are in your home, it is important to pay your rent two weeks in advance.
What if I cannot pay my rent?
If you have difficulties paying your rent, you need to contact the department immediately to discuss the problem.
Will I be advised if the department does not receive my rent payment?
If you have been unable to pay your rent for two weeks, the department will send you a Notice to Remedy Breach calling for your outstanding rent to be paid in 10 days.
If you ignore this notification, you will be sent a Notice of Leave that gives you another 14 days to pay your rent. If you do not pay after this extension, the department will seek to have your tenancy terminated.
What if I choose not to leave?
If you do not leave your home or pay the overdue rent, the department will lodge an application for a Termination Order with the Small Claims Tribunal and you will be notified of a hearing date.
This hearing gives you the opportunity to explain why you have not paid your rent. The referee will make a judgment, and if the judgment is in favour of the department, you will be ordered to leave the property.
How will this affect me?
If a Termination Order is granted, a Warrant for Possession of the premises is issued. If you do not vacate the property within the time specified by the referee, the department will ask the Police to carry out this Warrant. If this occurs, you and your belongings will be physically removed from the premises and the locks changed.
What should I do to prevent this happening to me?
Keep your rental account paid two weeks in advance or contact your local Department of Housing office.
What if I am experiencing financial difficulties?
Please contact your local Department of Housing office to tell them of your situation and discuss how the department may assist to prevent any eviction process commencing.
Last updated 07 July 2005
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