In line with our commitment to customer-excellence practices, the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) is excited to move towards paperless services, particularly as RTA Web Services are making essential tenancy services faster, more convenient and more efficient for our customers.

Following the launch of RTA Web Services for bond lodgements, bond refunds, bond disputes and updating customer details, and to reduce the Queensland rental sector’s environmental footprint, the RTA will cease bulk printing of all forms and publications from 1 January 2020.

 To help you prepare for the move to a paperless RTA, and understand how to remain compliant with rental legislation, please follow the five steps below.

1.  Exchange email addresses with your tenant or property manager/owner
   Each tenant and property manager/owner should provide a unique, individual email address in the tenancy agreement for communication between parties and for all RTA transactions.
   
   The RTA recommends using an individual email address which is only accessible by the tenant or property owner/manager to ensure everyone’s privacy is protected.
    
2. Agree to receive email notifications or communicate electronically
   Discuss with your tenant or property manager/owner about sending and receiving copies of required documentation and keeping records electronically.
   
   For legislative requirements like the Pocket guide for tenants, property owners/managers can offer an electronic PDF copy of this information statement if the tenant is agreeable to it. If the tenant agrees, the property owner/manager must keep a record of the email that is sent to the tenant with the PDF copy of the information statement as proof of compliance. Alternatively, property managers/owners can download the latest user-friendly version from our website, or order single printed copies via the website or the RTA Contact Centre.
    
3. Streamline start of tenancy processes: encourage tenants to use RTA’s Bond Lodgement Web Service
   Both tenants and property managers/owners can lodge single bonds using the RTA’s Bond Lodgement Web Service, which is quick, secure and provides electronic payment options including credit card, debit card and BPAY.
   
   All parties to the bond will be notified when the bond is successfully lodged with the RTA. If you are expecting an email notification, remember to check your spam/junk folder and take steps to ensure future notifications will be delivered to your inbox (e.g. by making the RTA as a safe sender).
   
   Tenants are encouraged to lodge their own bond to reduce double-handling of bond monies and administrative workload, and help accelerate the start of tenancy process. Single paper forms remain available to customers who are unable to access RTA Web Services.
    
4. Access all forms and publications online
   A wide range of educational materials and information can be found in our forms, publications and resources library. You can view our fact sheets and videos on various topics, catch-up on our monthly webinars, or download the Pocket guide for tenants in seven different languages.
   
   While the RTA encourages all customers to use Web Services for single bond transactions, customers will still be able to download the latest forms and publications from our website, or order single printed copies via the website or by calling our Contact Centre on 1300 366 311.
    

5.  Stay in the know with RTA news
   Subscribe to get RTA news direct to your inbox. We provide useful information about renting in Queensland, give you tips on managing and sustaining a tenancy, inform you of RTA’s compliance activities and any updates to our services.