New laws have passed through the Queensland Parliament which will protect renters by banning rent bidding and ensuring property owners can only increase rent once per year.
The State Parliament passed the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 on 24 May, strengthening the rights of Queensland renters.
Additional reforms in the Bill passed by Parliament will come into effect on a date to be set by proclamation, including:
- Protecting renters’ privacy by requiring 48 hours entry notice and a prescribed form to be used to apply for a rental home, with any information collected to be handled securely
- Limiting reletting costs based on how long is left on a fixed term lease
- Giving renters a fee-free option to pay rent and choice about how they apply for a rental property
- Improving the rental bond process by requiring claims to be supported by evidence
The passage of the Bill also enables the government to develop a framework for parties to agree on installing modifications in rental properties, a Code of Conduct for the rental sector and a Portable Bond Scheme.
The government will undertake consultation with the sector to develop these schemes.
The passing of these reforms delivers National Cabinet commitments under A Better Deal for Renters in Queensland.
Queensland Minister for Housing, Local Government, Planning and Minister for Public Works, Meaghan Scanlon, said that one in three Queensland households rent, and these reforms are about making renting fairer, safer and easier.
“It means renters won’t have to bid more than advertised to secure a rental, that they’ll have their privacy protected and a new code of conduct will stamp out unprofessional practices,” Ms Scanlon said.
“These important protections go alongside cost-of-living support we are rolling out for Queenslander renters through our Homes for Queenslanders plan.”
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