The Queensland Government has announced its intention to introduce a range of proposed rental reforms under a $160M Renters Relief Package, which forms part of its Homes for Queenslanders plan. A summary of the proposed changes is below.

Customers are reminded that current rental laws continue to apply until any proposed changes are progressed through the Queensland Parliament.

The RTA will work with the Queensland Government and Queensland’s renting community to ensure everyone has access to timely, accurate and impartial information and education about any changes to residential rental laws and RTA services.

We will keep customers informed via the RTA website as we know more about these proposed changes.

Summary of key Stage 2 rental reforms announced

• Introduction of a rental bond roll-over scheme to allow bonds to be transferred between tenancies. A bridging bond loan product will be introduced by the Department of Housing, Local Government, Planning and Public Works (the Department) while this scheme is established to assist eligible households to afford the upfront cost of a new bond, pending release of their old bond
• Rent bidding and acceptance of higher rent offers will be banned and penalties enforced
• Rent increase frequency will be tied to the property, instead of the tenancy
• New framework for parties involved in a tenancy to agree on installation of minor modifications
• Entry notice requirement to change from 24 hours to 48 hours’ notice
• Fee free options for tenants to pay rent
• Prescribed timeframes for when tenants must receive utility bills for payment
• Code of Conduct for the rental sector
• Standardised rental application form
• Limiting break lease/reletting fees based off time left on tenancy agreement
• New/improved rental grants and subsidies, and expansion of the Department’s RentConnect frontline service officers (increased to 42 from 21).