//
© 2026 Zoe. All rights reserved.
Zoe is a legal information platform. Always consult the official source for authoritative text.
Queensland regulation
This is a Queensland regulation that sets out the detailed rules for how boarding houses, supported accommodation, and similar residential services (places where people pay to live and may also receive care or meals) must operate to get and keep their accreditation (official government approval to run their service).
It operates under the Residential Services (Accreditation) Act 2002 (Queensland).
Some accommodation is excluded from these rules — for example, worker accommodation (where a business houses its own employees or contractors) and retirement villages. These don't need to be accredited under this system.
Residential services must meet Queensland Development Code Part 5.7 (specific rules about the physical design and safety of buildings used for residential services).
Want the full deep dive?
Zoe can write the in-depth analysis on top of the summary above: how it works, who it affects and what each part actually does.
Direct links to the current provisions in Residential Services (Accreditation) Regulation 2018.
Zoe has indexed the source text for search and analysis. Use the official register for the original document and download formats.
View on official registerSourced from Queensland Legislation (legislation.qld.gov.au), CC BY 4.0.
There are three tiers of approval, each with stricter requirements:
Level 1 (Basic): The service must respect residents' privacy and dignity, prevent abuse and neglect, maintain a safe and clean living environment, have emergency plans, and run the business responsibly. Think of this as the minimum standard every service must meet.
Level 2 (Includes Meals): Everything in Level 1, plus the service must provide nutritious food, have proper kitchen hygiene, and follow national food safety standards.
Level 3 (Personal Care): Everything in Levels 1 and 2, plus the service must provide hands-on personal care (help with hygiene, medication, clothing, health) with qualified staff who hold first aid certificates, and must protect residents' financial independence and social connections.
Providers must notify the government if key things change — for example, if their fire safety management plan changes, if there's a question about whether the provider is a 'suitable person' to run the service, or if the local council finds the building doesn't meet required standards.
Every service must have a detailed fire safety plan covering: maximum number of residents, fire equipment maintenance, evacuation procedures (including for people with disabilities), staff training, and a list of all fire safety equipment. Building plans showing fire exits must be included.
Providers must keep detailed records for at least 3 years after a resident leaves (or dies), including:
Fees for accreditation are set out in a schedule (not shown in full here).
If you live in a residential service: This law sets out your legal rights — to privacy, safety, freedom from abuse, access to advocates and health professionals, and to complain without fear of payback.
If you run a residential service: Failing to meet these standards can cost you your accreditation — meaning you can no longer legally operate.
If you have a family member in residential care: This law requires providers to keep records of incidents and complaints, and gives family members and advocates the right to be involved.