As part of our commitment to keeping you informed and empowered, we are pleased to share some important updates regarding rental laws that will impact tenants. At Manage Your Loans, we understand that staying across regulatory changes is crucial for both landlords and tenants to ensure a smooth and compliant rental experience.
As of 23 May 2024, the Queensland Parliament has passed significant reforms under the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024. These changes amend the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 and will be implemented in two stages, with exact dates to be announced.
These reforms affect general tenancies, rooming accommodations, and movable dwelling tenancies, introducing new regulations and enhancing tenant rights.
Key Changes to the Rental Laws
Rent Bidding Prohibition
Rent bidding or accepting offers higher than the advertised price is prohibited.
Maximum Rent in Advance
For new tenancies, agents/lessors cannot solicit or accept more than one month’s rent in advance for fixed agreements or two weeks for periodic agreements.
Rent Increases
Rent increases are limited to once every 12 months and are now attached to the property rather than the tenancy. The date of the last rent increase must be documented in the agreement.
Break Lease Costs
Costs for tenants breaking a lease will be calculated based on the remaining duration of the tenancy.
Rent Payment Methods
Tenants must be offered at least two payment methods, including one that does not incur additional fees.
Utility Invoices
Tenants must receive utility bills (e.g., water) within four weeks of the service provider issuing them.
Entry Notice Period
The minimum notice period for entry has been increased from 24 hours to 48 hours.
Frequency of Entry
New limits on the frequency of entry apply once a notice to end the tenancy has been issued.
Maximum Bond
A maximum of four weeks’ rent can be requested as a bond.
Evidence for Bond Claims
Agents/lessors must provide supporting evidence for bond claims within 14 days of lodging a claim or dispute.
Rental Application Process
A standardised rental application form is now required, with restrictions on the information that tenants can request.
Requests for Fixtures and Structural Changes
A revised process allows tenants to request fixtures and structural changes, with agents/lessors required to respond within 28 days.
Written in conjunction with The Property Collective; for more information please refer to the RTA Website (can we have the link added to the wording RTA website https://www.rta.qld.gov.au/forms-resources/rental-law-changes/ongoing-rental-law-changes)