Moving in or out of teacher housing
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 131 No 7, 2 October 2026, page no.21
Whether you are moving into teacher housing or leaving it, a few early checks and balances can help avoid major problems.
Moving in
Know the type of housing you are in: Is it:
- EQ housing (owned by the Department of Education and only available to teachers)
- Government Employee Housing (GEH owned and leased by the department — you are effectively the sub tenant)
- a private market rental (leased by the department as the tenant — you are effectively the sub tenant)?
Be aware of the type of housing you may be eligible for:
- Sole tenancy — principals (including heads of campus) and deputy principals, or couples and families occupy the entire property
- Multi tenancy — a number of single teachers with no dependants will occupy the property.
Know your LAC: Centres with one or more multi-tenancy dwellings must have a local accommodation committee (LAC) to support the local management of teacher housing, including housing allocations and maintenance matters.
Make sure you know who represents you on the LAC and how to contact them. An LAO (local accommodation officer) is elected or appointed by the LAC. Many LACs also have a local accommodation assistant, who manages day-to-day tasks. The principal is the contact if no LAC is required.
Applying: It is important to submit your application for teacher housing via the Tenant Portal, to determine eligibility and initiate the process of property allocation.
When your eligibility has been confirmed, the LAC will provide:
- an overview for incoming tenants
- a tenant information pack
- a tenancy agreement to sign for the property allocated to you
- a request for approval to keep a pet in a rental property
- a key register to sign.
Record the property’s condition: Inspect the property carefully.
- Complete and return the entry condition report within seven days of occupying the property.
- Record and report any damage, mould, maintenance issues, or missing items via the Tenant Portal.
- Take dated photographs.
- Retain a copy of the completed report.
These records may help if there is a dispute about pre-existing damage.
During your tenancy
Report mould and maintenance problems: Tenants are responsible for reasonable care of the property. In humid conditions:
- ventilate the property where practicable
- use available dehumidifying functions appropriately
- regularly check and clean air-conditioner filters
- promptly report leaks, moisture, and mould.
Where mould is not caused by the tenant’s actions, the lessor is responsible for addressing the problem. For emergency maintenance, call the emergency contact details listed in your tenancy agreement.
Bringing a pet? Pets cannot stay at the property without written property owner approval. Include details of any pets in your teacher housing application. When your property is allocated, you can submit a request for approval to keep pet at premises form (RTA Form 21) through the Tenant Portal. Pet ownership may affect housing allocation, particularly in multi-tenancy accommodation.
Contractors and inspections: Contractors, property agents, or department staff may need to check, repair, or inspect the property. You will receive an entry notice (Form 9), which will include a required minimum notice period. In some remote locations or in an emergency, no notice is required.
Moving out
Submit a notice of intention to leave via the Tenant Portal. If you are moving within the same location:
- confirm your vacate date and exit obligations early
- complete the exit condition report
- take dated photographs
- retain copies of relevant records
- keep evidence that you returned the keys.
The property should be left in the condition required by the tenancy agreement. You may be asked to pay cleaning or repair costs identified as your responsibility.
Need your rental history? A private real estate agent may ask for a rental reference. If so:
- generate a rental ledger through the Employee Housing System Tenant Portal
- contact the department’s Infrastructure Services team with a rent request via the Tenant Portal, or email HousingInfrastructure.ISD@qed.qld.gov.au
Housing concerns
Members with unresolved teacher housing concerns can contact their LAO, a member of their LAC, the regional housing coordinator, Housing Infrastructure, your local QTU Organiser, or the Queensland Teachers’ Assist Desk.
Useful links
- Teacher housing policy
- Teacher housing procedure
- Tenant Portal
- Teacher housing OnePortal page
- RTA minimum housing standards
- RTA renting with pets information.