Queensland rental law reforms affect both tenants and landlords, with changes introduced in stages from September 2023 onwards. The reforms cover rent, minimum housing standards, pets, applications, payments and rental property responsibilities.
What Queensland rental law changes apply now?
The Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 sets the current rules for Queensland rental arrangements. Recent changes include:
- rent increases limited to once every 12 months, attached to the property rather than the tenancy
- rent bidding banned
- tenants offered at least 2 ways to pay rent, including one reasonably available option without additional transaction costs
- rental bonds generally limited to no more than 4 weeks’ rent
- standardised rental application processes
- greater limits on entry and the personal information managing parties can request
These reforms aim to balance tenant and landlord rights and responsibilities. Both parties should check the rules that apply to their circumstances.
What are the minimum housing standards for Queensland rentals?
Minimum housing standards support safe, secure and functional rental properties. They apply to all Queensland residential rental properties when a tenant moves in and throughout the tenancy.
A property must be weatherproof and structurally sound, in good repair and free from vermin, damp and mould caused by issues other than the tenant. It must also have functioning locks or latches, suitable privacy coverings, adequate plumbing and drainage, and appropriate cooking and laundry facilities where supplied.
The property manager or owner is responsible for meeting the standards at the start of the tenancy and arranging repairs in a timely way. If a property stops meeting the standards, the tenant should notify the property manager, owner or emergency repair contact. These repairs are treated as emergency repairs.
The staged application began with new and renewing tenancies from 1 September 2023 and extended to all tenancies from 1 September 2024. For more practical information, see our guide to minimum housing standards for Queensland rental properties.
How often can rent be increased in Queensland?
Rent generally cannot be increased less than 12 months after the last increase for the property. This applies even when the property has a new tenant, owner or managing agent. Written agreements must state the date of the last rent increase. A tenant can request written evidence of that date from the lessor or agent, which must be provided within 14 days.
The annual limit does not set a CPI cap. In some circumstances, a lessor may apply to the tribunal for permission to increase rent within 12 months because of undue hardship.
What are the current rules for renting with pets?
A tenant must obtain written approval before keeping a pet, unless it is a working dog. A property manager or owner must respond to a written pet request within 14 days, with approval, conditions or specific reasons for refusal. If they do not respond correctly within that period, the request is automatically approved.
A refusal must rely on a permitted reason, such as an unsuitable property, unacceptable health or safety risk, likely unrepairable damage, or conflict with a body corporate by-law.
Tenants remain responsible for nuisance and damage caused by an approved pet. Read more in our guide to renting with pets in a community titles scheme.
How do body corporate by-laws affect tenants and landlords?
A rental property in a body corporate must meet minimum housing standards and comply with the body corporate’s by-laws. By-laws regulate the use of lots and common property, and tenants should receive a copy when their lease starts.
For pets, approval from the property manager or owner may not be enough. The tenant may also need body corporate committee approval, and the committee’s process can take longer than the property manager’s 14-day response period.
What should landlords and tenants check before acting?
Landlords and tenants should:
- check the current RTA guidance and the tenancy agreement
- record the date of the last rent increase
- inspect minimum housing standards before a tenancy starts
- put repair and pet requests in writing
- check the body corporate by-laws before applying to keep a pet
- confirm whether the body corporate or landlord is responsible for a repair.
The RTA provides further information about Queensland rental law changes. Checking the current rules before acting can help tenants and landlords manage their responsibilities with greater certainty.
