How Rent Choice Start Safely Can Help
The program supports individuals who have recently left or need to leave an unsafe relationship by:
Assisting them in finding a safe and affordable place to rent.
Covering a portion of their rent for up to 36 months.
Referring them to support services for education and employment to help them achieve financial independence.
Eligibility Criteria
You may be eligible for Rent Choice Start Safely if you:
Are escaping domestic or family violence.
Are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Qualify for social housing assistance.
Can demonstrate the ability to afford private market rent after the subsidy ends.
Are willing to engage with support services, if needed.
How to Access Rent Choice Start Safely
To apply, complete an online application for housing assistance or call the Housing Contact Centre at 1800 422 322. Your application will be assessed to determine if the program is suitable for you.
Rent Payment Assistance
The Rent Choice Start Safely subsidy is based on your income. For the first 12 months, you will pay 25% of your weekly household income plus 100% of any Commonwealth Rent Assistance you may be entitled to receive. After you pay your share, the program covers the rest directly to your landlord or real estate agent. Your payment amount will gradually increase after 12 months, and we will discuss this with you beforehand. If your income increases, your share of the rent will be adjusted accordingly.
Determining Affordability
A property is considered affordable if the rent is no more than 50% of your income plus any Commonwealth Rent Assistance you may be entitled to receive. The subsidy will only be approved for properties within your financial means.
Duration of Assistance
Initially, the subsidy is provided for three months and can be extended up to a maximum of 36 months. Every three months, your need for the subsidy will be reviewed, along with any additional support you might require.
Income Test
To qualify for the Rent Choice Start Safely subsidy, you must be eligible for social housing, which includes meeting specific income criteria based on household size and type. Commonwealth Rent Assistance entitlement is included as income for subsidy calculation purposes. You must inform your social housing provider within 28 days of any changes in your circumstances, including income changes.
Assets Test
You can receive the subsidy even if you have assets, provided you cannot access them in the short to medium term due to circumstances beyond your control, such as a Family Court order preventing the sale of a property.
Additional Housing Support
The Rent Choice Start Safely subsidy can be combined with other DCJ private rental assistance products and services, including:
Tenancy Facilitation: Assistance with searching and applying for private rental properties.
Private Rental Brokerage Service: One-on-one help for eligible clients with complex needs to secure and maintain a private rental tenancy.
Bond Extra: Additional financial support up to $1,500 for landlords or agents to cover rental arrears and/orproperty damage beyond the rental bond.
Rentstart Bond Loan: An interest-free loan to help pay up to four weeks' bond.
Advance Rent: A grant to help pay for one to two weeks' rent in advance at the start of your tenancy, provided in conjunction with Rentstart Bond Loan.
Rent Choice Brokerage Funds: Available to active Rent Choice Start Safely clients to help establish their tenancy with goods and/or services.
For more information, contact your local DCJ Housing office or call:
Housing Contact Centre: 1800 422 322
Domestic Violence Line: 1800 656 463
Link2home Homelessness: 1800 152 152
Link2Home Veterans and Ex-Service: 1800 326 989
Child Protection Helpline: 13 21 11