Housing Matters primary aim is to raise awareness among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are renting about the new Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (which comes into effect from July 1, 2009) and how this will impact on their roles, responsibilities and rights as a tenant.  

The project is funded by the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) and aims to help Indigenous people to sustain tenancies and safe and secure living conditions for the benefit of their families and communities. 

Specifically, the Housing Matters project will assist Indigenous people in Queensland by:

• Promoting a greater awareness of the Residential Tenancies & Rooming Accommodation Act 2008, and how recent changes will impact on tenants

• Increasing the awareness among Indigenous people of their rights, responsibilities and obligations as renters on the private market

• Encouraging Indigenous people to exercise their rights, and understand their options with conflict resolution or disputes

• Promoting greater access to fair, safe and secure housing options for Indigenous people and their families

• Highlighting how housing issues can impact on an individual’s health and wellbeing