Tenant Hub

Welcome to the Regional Housing Tenant Hub! Here you’ll find quick links to important tasks, useful factsheets, links to helpful external sites and more.

Our Newsletter

Regional Housing produces a quarterly (seasonal) Newsletter providing customers with useful tenancy and community information, as well as fun facts, general interest stories and recipes.

What is the Residential Tenancies Authority?

The Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) is a state government statutory authority that helps make renting work for everyone. They provide tenancy information and support, bond management, dispute resolution, investigations and prosecutions, and education services.

A number of RTA forms and factsheets may be relevant to your tenancy, you can find them below.

Official RTA forms

Official RTA factsheets

Tenant FAQs

You must seek approval from Regional Housing prior to getting a pet.

A Form 21 (Request for approval to keep a pet in a rental property) can be submitted any time throughout your tenancy. This will be assessed against your General tenancy agreement, local Council laws and any applicable Body Corporate By-Laws. You will be advised of the outcome within 14 days after submitting the Form 21.

Local government restrictions relating to the keeping of pets must be strictly adhered to. There may be restrictions imposed by the owner of the property, and the type of property you are living in (eg units, sharehouses).

There are no restrictions applicable for Guide dogs, Hearing dogs or Assistance animals. Special circumstances or a medical need to keep a pet must be verified by evidence such as a letter from a medical practitioner, psychologist or support worker.

Yes. Sub-clause (2) of Standard Term 21 of the General tenancy agreement states “The tenant must not –

(c) interfere with the reasonable peace, comfort or privacy of a neighbour of the tenant; or

(d) allow another person on the premises to interfere with the reasonable peace, comfort or privacy of a neighbour of the tenant.”

Additionally, sub-clause (2) of Standard Term 26 states “The tenant must not maliciously damage, or allow someone else to maliciously damage, the premises.”

You can submit a Transfer Application if the property becomes unsuitable for your household. Supporting documentation is encouraged when submitting a Transfer Application. Examples of supporting documentation can be but isn’t limited to: physician or Doctor’s letters, Police reports or Protection Orders.

Yes, all Community Housing tenants in Queensland are required to pay a bond equivalent to four week’s rent.

Depending on the property you move into, you may be required to pay charges as well as rent. These charges may include, electricity, LPG hot water and/or communal cleaning.

These charges are reviewed annually by calculating the cost of the relevant bills for the previous year and apportioning them according to the number of tenancies within the relevant property.

These individual charges are charged fortnightly and itemised on your Rent Sheet. These charges are to be paid along with your rent.

For more information regarding how rent is charged, see the Rent page.

Yes, it’s important to keep your Housing Officer informed of any changes to your household. You may be eligible for a larger property if your household has increased in size. It’s also important to note that you will be in breach of your General tenancy agreement if you’re found to be allowing other people to permanently reside at the property without first seeking approval from your Housing Officer.

Regional Housing values the participation of tenants in planning, reviewing and developing services. To foster involvement by tenants, we have established a number of processes. This includes ensuring that all tenants are provided with an opportunity to formally and informally participate through:

  • Membership in Regional Housing
  • Participation in review processes
  • Completing Feedback forms
  • Provision of formal and informal feedback and consultation processes
  • Development of and participation in the social and recreational events provided by the Organisation
  • Contributing to the development of new ideas and strategies for client participation–
  • House meetings in the Share house

Regional Housing’s preferred method of payment of rent for tenants whose principal (or only) source of income is Centrelink, is via Centrepay deduction – by agreeing to this, rent is deducted from your Centrelink benefit before the remainder of your benefit is paid to you.

For Community Housing tenants in Queensland, rent is calculated at 25% of the household’s gross assessable income plus 100% of Commonwealth Rent Assistance. This is in accordance with the Community Housing Rent Policy.

Every three months.

Lauren Packer

Director

Lauren joined the board of directors at the beginning of 2024, and has a wealth of financial management accounting knowledge as a qualified CPA with over 20 years’ experience. Experienced in non-for-profit (local government) and commercial accounting roles, Lauren is a Senior Commercial Analyst for Townsville City Council and part owner of a national technology business GP One Consulting.
Lauren is passionate about ensuring that those that are less fortunate have a safe place to live in their community, and she is looking forward to an exciting new growth phase at RHL where our charity is looking at expanding the capacity of safe secure appropriate housing options for our clients.

  • Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting Major)
  • Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) 15+

Sue Camps

Director

Sue has joined the Regional Housing Limited (RHL) Board as a Director in 2023. Sue has been associated with RHL since 2001. During this time she has assisted and supported RHL to develop as an organisation. Sue was the founder and secretariat for the Wide Bay Burnett Housing Board of which RHL was a valued member. Sue was appointed to RHL’s Risk Management Committee from 2014 until 2018. Sue has a proven reputation for working to professional standards in high pressure work environments to achieve work priorities and meet deadlines, while also promoting and adopting a positive and balanced approach. Sue brings a broad range of proven skills and extensive history of successfully initiating, implementing, and delivering funded and non-funded programs and projects addressing a diverse range of issues in both the community and government sectors. Sue’s experience includes participating in numerous, diverse programs, capital and infrastructure projects, within mental health, housing, recreation, employment, seniors, and disability sectors, in urban and regional areas, and at both service provision and management levels.
Sue has watched RHL go from strength to strength while never losing sight of the importance of supporting their clients, community and staff. Sue is looking forward to moving into a new and exciting era as a director with RHL at a time when government and community are committed to ensuring better outcomes for people requiring a safe secure appropriate housing option.

  • Certificate IV Procurement
  • Master of Professional Studies (Project Management)
  • Train the Trainer Preparedness - Community Recovery
  • Train the Trainer Psychological First Aid – Community Recovery
  • Queensland Disaster Management Arrangements
  • PRINCE 2 Project Management
  • Diploma of Training and Assessment
  • Certificate IV Corporate Governance
  • Graduate Certificate in the Practice of Supervision
  • Graduate Certificate in Disability Studies

Jeremy Audas

Director

Jeremy has over 40 years’ experience working in human and community services within the state government and not for profit sector in Townsville where he has gained an appreciation of the importance of high-quality community based services in addressing the needs of people who find themselves in challenging circumstances. Of particular interest is how services can be effectively delivered in regional and rural Queensland. Based in Townsville, Jeremy joined the Board of Directors in October 2022 and is currently employed as Executive Manager North Qld for Richmond Fellowship Queensland. Previous Board experience includes:

  • Past president and life member of Townsville Community Law
  • Board Chair for the Townsville Intercultural Centre
  • Board member of the Qld Alliance for Mental Health
  • Independent Chair for the Townsville Headspace Consortium

Rahel Clarke

Director

Rahel joined the Board of Directors at the 2018 Annual General Meeting bringing extensive and invaluable legal experience to RHL. Her vision is for RHL to meet the needs of the community, particularly in relation to affordable housing, in a way which facilitates ongoing growth for the organisation. Rahel is the Principal Lawyer and owner of Miller Street Law and co-founder of the Generator which provides innovative ‘start-up’ services for small businesses. She also volunteers at the Taylor Street Community Legal Centre and is a qualified yoga instructor.

  • Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting Major)
  • Bachelor of Laws (Hons), Master of Laws.

Grant Davies

Director

Grant’s journey with RHL began in 2015 when he joined as both an ordinary member and a member of RHL’s Planning and Development Committee. He was appointed to RHL’s Board of Directors in 2018 where his experience in the real estate and development sectors, negotiation skills and passion for community advocacy are welcome additions. Grant believes there is a growing need for social and affordable housing in our region and across the State, presenting opportunities for RHL to expand well into the future. As a Real Estate Agent with interests and experience in residential sub-division development, Grant is passionate about projects and services that benefit regional communities and assist them to grow. Grant is an advocate for sustainable development and understands both the social impacts of residential living design for end users and its impact on the environment.

  • Licenced Real Estate Agent
  • Active member of the Urban Developers Institute of Australia (UDIA)
  • Volunteer Rural Fire Brigade member (National Service Medal – 20 Years)
  • Chief Flying Instructor and President of the Bundaberg Gliding Club
  • Certificate IV in Graphic Design

Cheryl Barrett

Director

Cheryl joined RHL’s Board of Directors in June 2016 bringing approximately 30 years of experience from the community housing industry, Local and State Government and private business. Her knowledge of the housing and community sector combined with her skills in leadership and previous experience as Secretary for a not-for-profit board, makes Cheryl a valuable addition to the RHL team. Cheryl is passionate about ensuring that those less fortunate can access safe and affordable housing in their own community. Cheryl is currently working as the Chief Executive Officer of The Blue Network (Southern Cross Support Services), a group of companies in the community services sector. She is a skilled strategist and change manager with a strong focus on culture and people development and is a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Managers and Leaders.

  • AICD Company Directors Course
  • Graduate Certificate of Social Science in Housing Management & Policy
  • Graduate Diploma Strategic Leadership
  • Diploma of Management
  • Diploma of Population Health
  • Ai Group Queensland State Advisory Group – Councilor

Brian Hayhurst

Director

Brian was appointed to RHL’s Board of Directors in March 2017. His vision is that all people have the opportunity to make choices that can create positive outcomes in their lives. He intends to use his skills to educate others and to support avenues that create opportunities to assist the disadvantaged. Brian brings a wealth of experience to RHL’s Board, having already served as a Director for three other not-for-profit organisations. He also understands the frontline challenges of community housing better than most, having previously worked as a Tenancy Manager for Bundaberg Housing Services Inc.

  • Bachelor of Social Work (MAASW)
  • Justice of the Peace Qualified
  • Authorised Mental Health Practitioner
  • Qualified Mental Health Instructor

Sandra Holebrook

Treasurer

Sandra is a business professional with over 25 years of commercial experience in business management, business development, and project management spanning the retail, distribution, wholesaling and manufacturing sectors. She has a track record of successfully deploying complex solutions and business change with an absolute focus on the realisation of tangible business benefits. She is a strategic thinker with effective implementation skills and understands the importance of stakeholder management. Holding a number of Board positions has provided Sandra with the opportunity to utilise her diverse portfolio of skills and experience at a governance level. Formerly the Secretary of Youthcare Hervey Bay Inc., Sandra joined RHL’s Board of Directors in October 2014 during the successful merger of Youthcare and RHL.

  • Qualified Chartered Accountant
  • Graduate Diploma in Marketing Management
  • Licensed Real Estate Agent

Jeffrey Kirchner

Secretary

Jeff previously served on RHL’s Board of Directors as Treasurer since its inception in 2009 to when he retired in 2018. After a 12-month break Jeff was reappointed to the Board in October 2019. Jeff’s vision for RHL is for organisational growth so that RHL will become a significant and efficient provider of housing services in the community.

  • Financial expertise
  • Experience working with State Government Departments
  • Bachelor of Business Accounting with Distinction
  • Certified Practising Accountant
  • Past Branch Chair and Treasurer of CPA Australia – Bundaberg

Benjamin Brown

Vice Chair

Ben was appointed as RHL’s first Youth Intern to the Board of Directors in September 2017, joined the Board as a Director in October 2018 and was elected as Vice Chairperson in May 2019. Ben brings to RHL a background in Project Management and Engineering specialising in residential and land development. He also has experience as a member of a regional University Council and committees. Ben is passionate about strategic planning and helping to further his local community.

  • Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Hons)
  • Member of Engineers Australia
  • Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors
  • Chartered Engineer

Nathan Freeman

Chair

Nathan has been a member of RHL’s Planning and Development Committee since 2014 and was appointed to the Board of Directors in March 2017. Nathan brings to the Board his knowledge and skills as a qualified Town Planner along with a wealth of experience from his involvement in a number of not-for-profit organisations and committees within the greater Wide Bay community. Nathan’s vision for RHL is to see the organisation grow and expand sustainably while gaining a better understanding of the issues facing our youth, those who are socially disadvantaged and persons living with disability in our community.

  • Bachelor of Regional and Town Planning (Hons)
  • Registered Planner with the Planning Institute of Australia
  • Member of the Urban Development Institute of Australia
  • Auxiliary Firefighter with Queensland Fire and Emergency Services
  • Director of Across the Waves Group Limited

Cherie McLaughlin

Executive Manager North Queensland

Cherie joined RHL in 2022 as the Executive Manager NQ to oversee housing development and growth in the North Queensland region. Cherie has a Bachelor of Laws and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice and almost 10 years’ experience working in the community services sector.

Cherie brings a strong background in office management, governance and system development and implementation. Cherie drives organisational success through developing and implementing effective solutions for the operational team. She embodies Regional Housing Limited’s values of fostering a collaborative and positive work culture to establish a high-performing team that strives for positive customer outcomes.

Hannah Scott

Chief Operations Officer

With an Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management, Hannah has over 17 years experience working in the social and community housing sector, ten of those leading and managing teams. Hannah is well respected amongst her peers within community housing, and at a state and federal government level, including senior leaders and funding managers.

As Chief Operations Officer for Regional Housing Limited (RHL), Hannah epitomizes the adage of ‘leading by example’ and is shaping the operations of RHL to be progressive, innovative, individually-centered and importantly, customer outcome-focused. Hannah’s influence and knowledge across housing and support services, health and safety, asset management, compliance and risk, compels a culture of excellence through her leadership and guidance of a team of managers.

Hannah inspires the organisation to focus on customer outcomes at every level, operationally and strategically, and has been instrumental in bringing together other providers and service agencies to invoke change, address the cycle of homelessness and best utilise resources, both property and support based, for the betterment of our customers but also our communities throughout regional Queensland.

Renae Clayton

Chief Financial Officer

Renae is a qualified CPA with over 25 years’ experience in commercial, health, and not-for-profit accounting roles.

In her current role as the Chief Financial Officer for one of Queensland’s most respected and innovative community housing providers, Renae consistently balances strategic planning with the management of complex operational matters in order to ensure quality outcomes for the organisation, its clients and stakeholders.

Renae brings a varied and valuable skillset with specific experience in the areas of finance, asset management, quality management, governance and Information Technology, as well as a strong knowledge of government policy and processes.

With almost 10 years of experience in the community housing sector, Renae has developed a deep understanding of the complex operational requirements, and key strategic challenges faced by not-for-profits when delivering services and support to those most in need.

Brett Hanna

Chief Executive Officer

Commencing with the organisation in 2004, Brett has played an integral role in the restructure, development and growth of Regional Housing Limited into one of the leaders of Community Housing in Regional Queensland.

Brett has an extensive history in management roles in the construction and human services industries.

With a background of building, developing, and supervising large commercial developments on the Gold Coast, as well as managing resorts and asset maintenance companies, Brett’s distinctly different career paths have come together as the social housing sector has evolved in recent years.

Brett has worked for over 20 years in frontline homeless services in management roles in large youth organisations both on the Gold Coast and in Bundaberg.

He has a Graduate Diploma in Social Science (Housing Management & Policy) as well as a number of relevant certificate qualifications in management and community services fields.

Brett is also heavily involved in a number of regional, state, and national networks and has a vast history spanning over 25 years of volunteering his time to homelessness services.

Brett’s vision, ‘Every Person has a Home’, also became the vision for Regional Housing Limited. With Social Housing becoming much more commercially oriented, Brett is excited about the future direction for the sector and is looking forward to combining his development experience with his deep knowledge of housing & homelessness to result in quality housing outcomes for people in need.

Acknowledgement of Culture and Inclusivity

Our organisation is made up of many cultures, beliefs and abilities and we welcome yours.