Residential Service
What is a Residential Service?
Residential services in Queensland refers to boarding houses, aged rental schemes and supported accommodation, all of which form an important part of the Queensland residential rental sector. They provide a variety of accommodation options and ensure the vulnerable members of our community have a safe place to live.
For many residents, a residential service provides a stable home and a community. Residents may stay anywhere between the period of a few months or a few years.
Operators do not receive government funding. Our facilities are funded by the rents charged to residents which are typically linked to the pensions many occupants are on.
Residential Services plays a key role in providing affordable accommodation to Queenslanders. There are currently 272 (*as of Feb 2021) registered residential service operators with a capacity of approximately 8,000 beds across the state.
Two pieces of legislation govern the operation of residential services in Queensland:
- Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (RTRA Act), administered by the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA)
- Residential Services (Accreditation) Act 2002, administered by Regulatory Services – Department of Communities, Housing and Digital Economy.
Each facility typically caters for the individual needs of residents, depending on where they are on their journey.
While each tier generally caters to residents of varying needs, operators are united in a joint mission to provide affordable accommodation to those in need.
All accredited residential service providers (including level 2 & 3) must also meet level 1 accreditation standards. A level 3 (personal care) service provider may elect not to be accredited for level 2 (food service).
Tiers of Accreditation
Each facility typically caters for the individual needs of residents, depending on where they are on their journey.
While each tier generally caters to residents of varying needs, operators are united in a joint mission to provide affordable accommodation to those in need.
All accredited residential service providers (including level 2 & 3) must also meet level 1 accreditation standards. A level 3 (personal care) service provider may elect not to be accredited for level 2 (food service).
BOARDING HOUSES
Level 1 services are often referred to as boarding houses. They provide affordable living for 4 or more people who live in 1 or more furnished rooms and individually pay rent. They generally share facilities such as bathrooms, kitchens and living areas.
Typically, those residing within a boarding house are on limited income, most often the New Start or Job Seeker Pensions.
ACCOMMODATION + MEAL SERVICES IN A RESIDENTIAL SETTING
L2 services are typically a rental scheme of a room within a house or residential facility where residents enjoy single or communal spaces and are provided with accommodation plus meal services.
Providers lease affordable living to independent persons who require some assistance in daily living.
It is common for providers to collaborate with external agencies to provide additional care for residents residing in a L2 facility. Those receiving accommodation and meals are usually recipients of an aged or disability pension.
Supported Accommodation
Supported Accommodation provides safe, stable, and affordable living to those who require additional support in their lives. Providers offer accommodation and supports within a managed facility with communal facilities. Often, providers will also include meals as part of the board and lodgings.
Many of those who reside in supported accommodation have varying disabilities and illnesses. This includes individuals living with various challenges in life, usually across the spectrum of lived experience of mental illness and/or other forms of disability.
Generally, those residing within a Level 3 facility are on limited income, most often the Disability Support Pension.
| Accreditation | Service | No. Facilities | No. Beds |
| Level 1 | Boarding Houses | 168 | 3,888 |
| Level 2 | Aged Rental Schemes | 42 | 2,252 |
| Level 3 | Supported Accommodation | 43 | 1,547 |
| Total | 7,687 |
*as at Sept 2022
| Accreditation | Service | No. Facilities | No. Beds |
| Level 1 | Boarding Houses | 168 | 3,888 |
| Level 2 | Aged Rental Schemes | 42 | 2,252 |
| Level 3 | Supported Accommodation | 43 | 1,547 |
| Total | 7,687 |
*as at Sept 2022
Breakdown of accreditation competencies
Facilities
All approved operators’ facilities must meet the relevant council, building code, fire standards as well as those outlined in MP 5.7 – Residential Services Building Standards.
Operations
Accredited providers must demonstrate that they comply with the following competence areas in order to achieve accreditation for the respective level of services.
Accommodation Services
- Privacy and independence
- Individual resident agreements
- Appropriate record keeping
- Protection from abuse and neglect
- Grievance mechanisms
- Adequate goods and equipment
- Access to external professional service providers
- Cleanliness and maintenance
- Appropriate security and emergency measures
- Appropriate business and work health and safety practices
- Human resource management and staff training
Food Service
Nutritious food
Safe and hygienic delivery of food, storage, preparation and service
Kitchen and dining facilities that meet minimum requirements
Personal Care Service
External support services
Accountable financial and clerical support
Medication management and health care
Help with clothing and hygiene management
The living environment
Leisure activities
Social networking
Participation in decision-making processes
All accredited residential service providers must meet L1 accreditation (accommodation services). However, a L3 (personal care) service provider may elect not to be accredited for L2 (food service).
Residents and operators in a L2 or L3 service may agree to a lower tier of accredited services (e.g., L1 accommodation services only while living within an approved level 3 facility) in exchange for an agreed discounted rate.