Last reviewed 17 July 2026

Emergency and Specialist Help

This page separates emergency services, tenancy advice, legal advice, housing support and tribunal processes.

Search RentPath

Immediate danger

Call 000 if there is immediate danger, violence, fire, serious injury risk, a serious threat or another emergency.

For gas, electricity, water or structural dangers, use emergency services or the relevant utility emergency line before dealing with tenancy paperwork.

Homelessness risk

If you are homeless or may soon have nowhere safe to stay, contact the Queensland Homeless Hotline on 1800 474 753. If a tenancy notice is involved, also contact QSTARS or a legal service quickly.

Domestic and family violence

If domestic and family violence is involved, prioritise safety and use a safe device if possible. Contact DVConnect Womensline on 1800 811 811, Mensline on 1800 600 636, or 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.

Queensland tenancy law includes specific DFV pathways. Get advice before giving notices if it is safe to do so.

Lockouts and essential service failures

Lockouts, failed locks, electricity, water, sewerage, serious leaks and unsafe premises can require urgent action. Document what happened and contact the lessor, agent or nominated emergency repairer as soon as possible.

If there are threats, forced entry, harassment or immediate safety risks, contact police or emergency services.

Financial crisis

If rent arrears are part of a wider debt problem, contact a financial counsellor or emergency relief service. Keep tenancy deadlines visible while you seek support.

Disability, interpreter and culturally safe support

Ask for interpreter support if English is not your preferred language. If disability affects communication, repairs, access, discrimination or tribunal participation, contact a disability advocacy service or legal service.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander renters may wish to contact an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander legal service, local housing support provider or culturally safe community service.

Sources and review status

Major statements on this page were reviewed against official sources on 17 July 2026. Use the source links below to confirm current law and process details before acting.

Common questions

Who do I call if I am about to be homeless?

Call the Queensland Homeless Hotline on 1800 474 753 and contact QSTARS if a tenancy notice or dispute is involved.

Is QCAT an emergency service?

No. QCAT is a tribunal. Some tenancy applications are urgent, but immediate danger should go to emergency services first.