Changes to Tenancy Laws | As of June 6, 24, rent bidding banned

Rent Bidding Ban

As of June 6, 2024, rent bidding is banned. Landlords, agents, or providers cannot solicit, invite, or accept offers higher than the advertised rent. Additionally, they cannot accept advance rent payments exceeding the allowed amount: two weeks for periodic or moveable dwelling agreements, and one month for general tenancy agreements. This rule also applies if rental agreements are offered via third-party platforms.

Rent Increases Regulation

Landlords cannot increase rent less than 12 months after the last increase, even if there’s a new tenancy agreement or change in property ownership. For example, if your rent was increased for a property on June 5, 2024, the next increase can only occur after June 5 even if they change tenants in the interim, 2025. However, landlords can apply to the Tribunal for an exception if they face undue hardship.

New tenancy agreements or rent increase notices must now include the date of the last rent increase. If this information is not provided, tenants can request evidence, which must be supplied within 14 days without disclosing previous tenants’ personal information.

This 12-month rule does not apply to public or community housing where rent is based on income or to state employee housing.

Other Key Changes

Rooming Accommodation Entry Rule: Providers can enter rooms to install, maintain, or replace smoke alarms with at least 24 hours’ notice using Form R9.
Bonds for Rooming Accommodation: Providers living in the rental property with three or fewer rentable rooms must lodge bonds with the RTA.
New Grounds for Ending Tenancies: Tenancies can be ended if a community titles scheme is terminated for economic reasons. Tenants must receive at least two months’ notice.
Short Tenancy Agreements: New rules clarify how short tenancies can be ended, with specific notice periods required.

New Regulations Coming Soon

Future regulations will introduce:

A portable bond scheme
A rental sector code of conduct
Procedures for tenants to attach fixtures or make structural changes for safety, security, or accessibility

Second Stage Changes on Proclamation

Additional changes, starting on a date yet to be announced, will include:

Offering tenants at least two rent payment options, one with minimal bank costs
Providing utility bills to tenants within two months
Limiting reletting costs based on the remaining lease term
Extending entry notice periods from 24 to 48 hours and limiting entry frequency at the end of a tenancy
Prescribing a rental application form and supporting documentation limits
Allowing rental applicants to choose how to submit applications
Restricting the collection and use of renters’ personal information
Ensuring the secure storage and timely disposal of renters’ personal information
Requiring substantiation of any bond claims with appropriate evidence
Applying the maximum bond amount of four weeks’ rent to all rental agreements
Allowing the RTA to share confidential information for compliance and enforcement purposes

Key Definitions

Tenant: Occupies a property (house, unit, etc.) rented from a landlord or agent.
Resident: Rents a room and shares common areas in the rental premises.
Boarder/Lodger: Rents a room but is not classified as a tenant or rooming resident.
Lessor: Person who rents out the residential premises.
Provider: Offers rooming accommodation to residents.
QCAT: Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal handles residential tenancy disputes.
RTA: Residential Tenancies Authority manages rental bonds, forms, dispute resolution, and investigates unlawful conduct.