Jacob Michael Smith, 38, was charged with murder, as well as a number of other charges which cannot be revealed for legal reasons.

Mr Smith was arrested outside a house in the Gold Coast suburb of Gaven on Wednesday afternoon after a tip-off about his whereabouts from the public.

He was bitten by a police dog during the arrest and received hospital treatment, before being taken to Dutton Park police station for questioning about 1.45pm.

Ms Mari's body was discovered by a housemate in the lounge room of her rented Norman Park home in Brisbane's inner-east about 3.30am on Tuesday.

Two of her daughters, aged 11 and 12, were at the house at time.

It is alleged Mr Smith was seen leaving the Milsom Street property only moments earlier. Mr Smith was not a resident of the Milsom Street home, but was described by police as a long-time friend of Ms Mari and had visited the property before.

Detective Inspector Rod Kemp said initial findings of a post mortem examination on Ms Mari's body led police to classify the case as a murder investigation.

However, he declined to say how Ms Mari died.

"The pathologist is still preparing his report," he said.

Inspector Kemp said police were still appealing for information from the public, especially anyone who may have seen movement outside the Milsom Street house around the time of Ms Mari's death.

Fairfax Media has not disclosed information about Mr Smith's background for legal reasons.

He is due to face Brisbane Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Ms Mari's youngest daughters were taken by police for counselling on Wednesday.

Her three-year-old son and eldest daughter, aged 15, were not living at the Norman Park house.

Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestoppers.com.au.