What makes DHA a better choice than rent allowance?

There are key differences between DHA-managed housing and renting on the private market in a housing benefit location(Opens in a new tab/window)(Opens in a new tab/window).

Living in a DHA-managed property can provide many benefits, not least that DHA understands Australian Defence Force posting requirements.

Check out the below table to understand the key differences and benefits between selecting a service residence(Opens in a new tab/window)(Opens in a new tab/window) (SR), member choice accommodation(Opens in a new tab/window)(Opens in a new tab/window) (MCA), rent band choice(Opens in a new tab/window)(Opens in a new tab/window) (RBC) — all DHA-owned or managed properties — or receiving rent allowance (Opens in a new tab/window)(Opens in a new tab/window)(RA) for the private market.

DHA property tenancy (SR, MCA, RBCH)
- View and reserve a DHA-managed property any time from your device. Properties automatically display in Online Services based on your entitlements, such as rank, posting location and personal circumstances.
- You will experience less prospective tenant competition when reviewing and selecting a property.
Private rental market tenancy (RA)
- You will be viewing properties online alongside several other prospective tenants.
- You will have a limited inspection window to view the property alongside several other prospective tenants.
- You will have limited access to property information like internal property measurements or floorplans.
DHA property tenancy (SR, MCA, RBCH)
- You can Reserve a property (Opens in a new tab/window)in just a few clicks, and often months in advance, with all your details and requirements already captured in the system.
Private rental market tenancy (RA)
- Your application will be considered in comparison with several other tenancy applicants.
- Often difficult to reserve or secure a private rental property far in advance.
- You will need to provide your personal information on multiple occasions and oftentimes be required to have physically inspected the property. This may be difficult when you are planning an interstate move. You may be required to organise a house-hunting trip(Opens in a new tab/window)(Opens in a new tab/window)).
DHA property tenancy (SR, MCA, RBCH)
- No need to pay bond or rent in advance.
- Defence reviews housing contributions each year to reflect market changes.
- If your tenancy unexpectantly comes to an end, e.g., the property is required to be handed back to the investor, DHA will help you find your next housing solution.
Private rental market tenancy (RA)
- You may be asked to pay a security bond of up to four weeks rent prior to moving in.
- You may experience rent increases, changes in lease length, or availability constraints because of property market fluctuations.
- A notice to vacate or not renew a lease may be issued, leaving you to locate another suitable property (DHA can support in this instance).
DHA property tenancy (SR, MCA, RBCH)
- Your housing contributions are automatically deducted from your fortnightly pay.
Private rental market tenancy (RA)
- DHA will arrange for your Rent Allowance to be paid with your fortnightly pay.
  You’ll be responsible for paying rent to the landlord.
DHA property tenancy (SR, MCA, RBCH)
- DHA conducts one formal inspection(Opens in a new tab/window)(Opens in a new tab/window) every 12 months with other inspections occurring only as required, e.g. maintenance assessments.
Private rental market tenancy (RA)
- Inspections may be required every 3 to 6 months for the duration of the lease, alongside your end-of-lease inspection.
DHA property tenancy (SR, MCA, RBCH)
- You will have access to DHA’s easy-to-use online services portal to report repairs and maintenance(Opens in a new tab/window)(Opens in a new tab/window), and the ability to log and track request progress.
Private rental market tenancy (RA)
- You will be required to liaise directly with the real estate agent for maintenance.
- You may have access to an online portal for tracking requests.
DHA property tenancy (SR, MCA, RBCH)
- Unless you are moving out of MCA, or relocating at your own expense, DHA will arrange for your well-maintained property to be cleaned after you vacate (conditions apply).
- Unless you arrange your own carpet clean, DHA will deduct the cost of carpet cleaning from your fortnightly pay.
Private rental market tenancy (RA)
- You will be responsible for end of lease cleaning, including carpets, to receive your bond back.

Last updated 13 July 2026