Moving into Supported Independent Living (SIL) is an exciting step towards greater independence, choice and confidence. However, there are often questions about how housing arrangements work, what you are responsible for paying, and how your rights are protected.
One of the most important things to understand is that your tenancy agreement and your SIL service agreement are two separate agreements.
Your tenancy agreement relates to your home. Your SIL service agreement relates to the supports you receive. While they may involve the same provider, they serve different purposes and protect different rights.
Understanding the difference helps you feel more confident, informed and in control of your living arrangements.
What is a tenancy agreement in SIL?
A tenancy agreement is a legal agreement that outlines your rights and responsibilities as a person living in a property.
It covers the housing side of your SIL arrangement, including things like:
- Where you live
- How much rent you pay
- Bond or other housing costs
- Household responsibilities
- Maintenance requests
- Notice periods
- Rules around the property
The type of housing agreement you have depends on the accommodation arrangement and the tenancy laws in your state or territory. Some participants will have a residential tenancy agreement, while others may have a different type of housing or occupancy agreement, depending on how the property is operated.
Your housing agreement is separate from the supports you receive through Supported Independent Living (SIL). This means your right to live in your home is distinct from the support services you receive.
Your SIL service agreement is different
A SIL service agreement explains the supports your SIL provider will deliver.
This agreement outlines things such as:
- Your support schedule and routines
- The type of assistance you need
- Your personal goals
- How your supports will be delivered
- How changes to your supports will be managed
Your SIL funding pays for your support workers and the assistance they provide. It does not cover your everyday living expenses, such as rent, groceries or household bills.
Having two separate agreements ensures you understand exactly what you are paying for and what services you are receiving.
Why are tenancy and SIL agreements kept separate?
The separation between housing and supports protects your rights as an NDIS participant.
Your home should always be your home. You should have choice and control over where you live, who you live with, and who provides your supports.
This means:
- You can change SIL providers without automatically losing your home.
- Your housing should not depend on receiving supports from one specific provider.
- You should be supported to understand your tenancy rights and responsibilities.
The NDIS Practice Standards state that providers must ensure tenancy arrangements and support arrangements are clearly separated. Providers must also make sure participants receive information in a way they understand and can access support if they need help understanding their agreements.
How are SIL tenancy arrangements usually set up?
There are a few different ways a SIL tenancy can be arranged.
Provider holds the head lease
In many SIL homes, the provider leases the property from a landlord or real estate agency. The provider then creates a separate tenancy arrangement with each participant living in the home.
This approach can make shared living arrangements simpler because the provider manages the relationship with the property owner while each resident has a clear agreement about their own tenancy.
Participant leases directly
In some situations, a participant may have their own tenancy agreement directly with the property owner.
This can happen in different types of disability housing arrangements, including some Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) properties.
Regardless of the arrangement, your tenancy rights should always be clearly explained and protected.
What costs do you pay in a SIL home?
SIL funding covers your support needs. It does not pay for your general living costs.
As a tenant, you are usually responsible for costs such as:
Rent
Rent is paid by the tenant, just like any other rental arrangement.
Many SIL residents use their Disability Support Pension (DSP) and may also receive Commonwealth Rent Assistance to help with housing costs.
Utilities and household expenses
Depending on your agreement, you may contribute towards shared household costs such as:
- Electricity
- Water
- Internet
- Groceries
- Shared household items
These costs should be explained clearly and shared fairly between residents.
For example, if several people live together, each person should understand their contribution and how household expenses are calculated.
Your rights as a SIL tenant
Living in SIL does not mean giving up your rights as a tenant.
You have the right to:
A safe and comfortable home
Your home should be safe, suitable and maintained properly. You should be able to raise maintenance concerns and have them addressed.
Privacy and independence
You have the right to privacy in your own room and control over your personal space.
You should also have reasonable choice about visitors, daily routines and how you use shared spaces.
Choice and control
You have the right to be involved in decisions about your home and supports.
This includes having a say in:
- Who you live with
- How your supports are delivered
- Changes to your support arrangements
Fair processes if issues arise
If there are concerns about your tenancy, you have the right to understand what is happening and receive appropriate notice and support.
A provider cannot simply remove someone from their home because of a disagreement about supports. Any tenancy changes must follow the correct legal processes under Queensland tenancy laws.
What are your responsibilities as a SIL tenant?
Along with your rights, you also have responsibilities.
These may include:
- Paying your rent and agreed household costs on time
- Looking after your home
- Respecting other residents and support workers
- Following reasonable household agreements
- Communicating concerns early
Living with other people requires teamwork and understanding. Clear agreements help create a positive home environment for everyone.
Choosing the right SIL home and housemates
Finding the right SIL home is more than just finding an available room.
The people you live with, the location, your routines, and your lifestyle all play an important role in creating a home where you feel comfortable.
Therefore, a good SIL provider should take the time to understand your preferences, goals and personality when matching you with a home and housemates.
At For Care, we take a truly person-centred approach to Supported Independent Living. All our SIL homes are managed by For Care, and we also provide the SIL supports within these homes. Having both our homes and support teams managed internally allows us to maintain a high level of consistency, transparency and attention to detail.
Managing our own SIL homes means we can focus on the small details that make a house feel like home — from responding quickly to maintenance needs, to creating positive household environments where people feel safe, respected and supported.
Because we oversee every part of the home environment, we have dedicated teams who regularly monitor maintenance, safety and household needs. Our in-house maintenance team helps keep our homes comfortable, well-maintained and welcoming for the people who live there. We are also proud that our landscaping team provides employment opportunities for people with disability, creating meaningful pathways for skill development and workplace participation.
Most of our Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) homes are leased externally, however, we continue to work closely with property owners and partners to ensure each home meets the needs, preferences and goals of the people living there.
We put a lot of care into matching people with like-minded residents who share similar interests, routines and values. Our team takes the time to understand what matters to you, so you can feel comfortable, supported and at home from day one.
To learn more about our SIL homes or available vacancies, contact For Care on 1800 367 227 or email hello@forcare.net.au
Tenancy Agreements FAQs
Is my SIL agreement the same as my tenancy agreement?
No. Your SIL service agreement and tenancy agreement are separate documents. Your tenancy agreement covers your housing, while your SIL agreement explains the supports you receive.
Can I change my SIL provider without moving house?
Yes. Your housing should not be dependent on receiving SIL supports from one specific provider. You have the right to explore changing providers while maintaining your tenancy rights.
Providers such as For Care consider lifestyle preferences, routines, communication styles and support needs to ensure compatibility.
Does my NDIS funding pay my rent?
No. SIL funding pays for your disability support services, not your rent or everyday living expenses. Rent is usually paid separately by the tenant.
Who pays for electricity and other household bills in a SIL home?
This depends on your tenancy arrangement. Generally, residents contribute a fair share of shared household costs such as electricity, water and internet.
Can I choose who I live with in a SIL home?
Yes. Your preferences should be considered when choosing a SIL home and housemates. Providers should work with you to find an arrangement that suits your needs and lifestyle.
What happens if I have concerns about my SIL home?
You should be able to raise concerns about your tenancy or supports without fear of losing your home. Your provider should explain the process for resolving concerns and support you to access advocacy or further assistance if needed.
Does living in a For Care-owned home change my rights?
No. Even though For Care owns and manages our SIL homes, your tenancy rights and choices remain protected. Your tenancy agreement and SIL service agreement are separate, and you have the right to understand both agreements clearly. Owning and/or managing the home allows For Care to take responsibility for maintaining the property, responding to maintenance needs and creating comfortable living environments, while still ensuring you have choice and control over your home and supports. We are committed to providing transparent arrangements where your home remains your own space.
