This Part provides members with rent allowance which is a type of housing assistance that helps with the costs of renting in the private housing market and supports members who do not have a suitable own home in their housing benefit location or family benefit location. To access rent allowance, members must apply in writing through Defence Housing Australia (see Division 1).

The amount a member receives for rent allowance (see Division 4) is based on their accommodation needs, the location the housing is required, their family circumstances and their living arrangements. Rent allowance is calculated based on the lower of the actual rent paid or the approved rent ceiling (see Division 2 and Annex 7.E), with specific rules for members who are sharing homes, have house sitters, are subletting, or are employing resident child carers.

Members must report changes, such as new residents or subletting arrangements and change in rank or rank group, to Defence Housing Australia so their rent allowance can be adjusted (see Division 4).

Members eligible for rent allowance must contribute towards their rent based on their circumstances (see Division 3 and Annex 7.D). Factors like family circumstances, sharing arrangements, and specific conditions, such as flexible service determinations, postings to seagoing vessels or submarines may change the amount a member is required to contribute.

A member's eligibility for rent allowance ends when they move to other suitable accommodation, such as purchasing a suitable home, accepting a Service residence or moving into living-in accommodation (see Division 5).

Members who are eligible for rent allowance can also apply for assistance with other costs such as rental bonds, rent in advance, and utility deposits (see Division 6).