Once you've moved in, DHA is here to support you throughout your occupancy.
This section provides information about managing your tenancy, maintaining your property and meeting your responsibilities as an occupant. You'll also find guidance on inspections, insurance, absences from the property, changing properties and other important aspects of living in DHA housing.
We recommend familiarising yourself with the information below to help you get the most from your DHA home and ensure your occupancy runs smoothly. If you need assistance at any stage, you can contact DHA through Online Services(Opens in a new tab/window).
AUKUS personnel might request to change properties in their posting location for a variety of reasons.
Your request to move must be in writing and include the reasons for the request.
Access to view alternate properties is usually approved for a 3-month period. These relocations are temporarily suspended during the peak posting period of October to February.
Your tenancy cannot be transferred to another person. The property must be returned vacant to DHA at the end of your occupation.
Throughout your occupancy DHA will occasionally need access to your property to carry out repairs and maintenance work, and to undertake inspections of the property. This is in accordance with your occupancy agreement. A representative of your Housing Office may accompany DHA to your inspections.
In most instances you will have at least seven days' notice of an upcoming inspection, or a minimum of 72 hours' notice for urgent matters.
We conduct periodic inspections of the property to monitor and maintain the quality of housing we provide. The purpose of the inspection is to identify any maintenance requirements and assess wear and tear.
Defect or structural inspection
If you are residing in a property which has been recently constructed/upgraded, a defect or structural inspection may be required during your tenancy to identify any defects and facilitate any necessary repairs prior to the expiry of defect or structural warranty period.
Leased property inspections
The owner of a leased property may require access from time to time. They must first contact DHA, and the inspection will be scheduled for a time that is convenient for both parties.
Property sales and valuation inspections
Your property may be listed for sale. If this occurs, DHA will notify you and an agent will liaise directly with you or your representative to arrange convenient times to access your residence. See DHA leased property listed for sale.
Prospective purchaser building, pest, bank valuation inspection
Inspections may be required by the purchaser for the purpose of a building, pest, or bank valuations. These will be coordinated with you at a mutually convenient time.
Photos may be taken to assist the company with its report.
Change an inspection
DHA inspections are part of your occupant responsibilities, and we appreciate you keeping your booked time wherever possible. You can appoint an agent to conduct an inspection on your behalf via your Online Services.
In the event you are unable to adhere to your booked inspection date or time, let DHA know as early as possible.
If your inspection is less than seven days away, call DHA on 139 342.
A welcome visit cannot be amended to an alternate or earlier date, unless your occupancy date has changed.
Visitors or guests can stay with you at any time.
The number of permanent residents in the property cannot exceed the number reflected on your occupancy agreement. Contact DHA via an Online Services(Opens in a new tab/window) enquiry if you have any queries.
We understand that you may be absent from your property from time to time, whether it’s a holiday or Service-related.
When you are absent, you must still:
maintain your property and grounds, this includes making sure lawns and gardens are watered and mowed regularly
provide access for inspections.
If your property will be vacant for 30 days or more:
Contents insurance provides financial protection against the cost of repairing or replacing personal belongings kept in the property should an event covered by your policy occur.
DHA encourages all occupants to insure their contents. DHA's insurance does not cover loss or damage to your belongings.
In accordance with your occupancy agreement, you must not cause or permit a nuisance to neighbours. This means anything that interferes with your neighbours' peace and privacy.
Where there is a neighbourhood dispute, we encourage the parties to resolve the matter themselves or refer to the appropriate civil authority. DHA has no authority to intervene in civil matters.
Where a complaint is received regarding your behaviour in a DHA property, the complaint will be referred to your Housing Office to manage with you.
We understand you may not have an Australian mobile number at the time your DHA profile is created. We ask that if you do obtain an Australian mobile number, you update this contact information via your Online Services(Opens in a new tab/window) account as soon as possible. This will assist DHA and our contractors in contacting you promptly regarding your tenancy, inspections and maintenance. You will also receive relevant reminders and updates via text message.
