Service residences are generally located in specific areas near the location the member is posted. In some areas, the demand for Service residences is high, so members may need to access other types of housing, such as renting a home in the private rental market and receiving rent allowance (see Part 8 of this Chapter). 

For a Service residence to be suitable it must meet certain standards (see Division 3). If a member is looking to live in a different standard of housing, they have access to another type of housing called rent band choice (see Division 2).

Rent band choice homes allow members to choose a residence that better suits their lifestyle. This type of housing allows the member to choose to occupy a home that does not meet the minimum standard for a Service residence, however is likely situated in a more attractive location (see Division 5).

A rent band choice home still needs to meet certain requirements.

When a member or their resident family occupies a Service residence or rent band choice home, the member is required to pay a contribution towards the cost of living there. The amount the member contributes depends on a number of factors (see Division 8 and Annex 7.A).

Some members are required to live in specific Service residences, these are called appointment, tied or assigned residences (see Division 6). A member who lives in this kind of accommodation is required to pay a contribution, depending on their personal circumstances.