If you are homeless or at risk of homelessness, call the Homelessness Central Intake Service on 1800 920 333 or use the online form. For domestic and family violence support, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 (24 hours). In an emergency, call 000.
If rent, mortgage repayments or bills are getting on top of you, you're not alone, and there is free help in the Northern Territory. This guide lists the main services for renters and families, checked on official websites on 22 October 2026. Services and rules change, so always check the linked page or call the service for your situation.
If you're homeless or at risk of losing your home
The Homelessness Central Intake Service (1800 920 333) can be called from anywhere in the NT and refers people to crisis accommodation and support (NT Government). It's run by Lutheran Care. If you can't get through by phone, use the online enquiry form or ask for a call back through ShelterMe.
Family and domestic violence
The NT Government lists 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732), available 24 hours a day, and NT Police on 131 444, as well as regional services such as women's shelters in Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine and Tennant Creek (nt.gov.au). The NT Government says you must report domestic and family violence to NT Police.
Help with bond, rent and arrears
NT Housing offers private rental bond assistance: an interest-free loan for a bond and up to 2 weeks' rent in advance, repaid over 18 months or less. Apply in person at your local housing office. Exemptions may be made for people escaping family violence. It isn't available to public or community housing applicants or tenants (nt.gov.au).
Free tenancy advice and your rights
Darwin Community Legal Service's Tenants' Advice Service is free and covers the whole NT, including public housing, caravan parks and town camps. Call 08 8982 1111 or 1800 812 953, Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm (DCLS). NT Consumer Affairs has official renting information on 1800 019 319.
A few rules worth knowing (nt.gov.au: paying rent):
- Your landlord must give at least 30 days' written notice of a rent increase, and rent can only go up at least six months after the tenancy started or the last increase.
- You don't have to pay more than one rental period in advance, and rent bidding is illegal.
Help with energy and water bills
If you're struggling with your power bill, Jacana Energy's Stay Connected program helps keep your electricity on when you're in financial difficulty. Call 1800 522 262 (Jacana Energy). People on some pensions and payments may get electricity and water concessions through the NT Concession Scheme (1800 777 704).
National help, wherever you live
- Rent Assistance: an extra Centrelink payment if you get an eligible payment and pay rent above a certain amount (Services Australia).
- National Debt Helpline: free financial counselling on 1800 007 007 (ndh.org.au).
- Ask Izzy: a free directory of local food, housing and money help (askizzy.org.au).
Help in other states and territories is listed on our national housing help page.
About Nhanya Foundation
Nhanya Foundation is a registered charity based in Melbourne's west, Victoria. We can't provide direct support in the Northern Territory, so please contact the services above. If you're in Melbourne's west, call us on 03 8595 9012 or make a referral.
Live somewhere else? See housing help for every state and territory.