The Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) is continuing to support the rental sector during Tropical Cyclone Alfred. While we have decided to close our front counter today (Thursday) and tomorrow (Friday), 6-7 March 2025, we are still providing services to customers in need.

Our Contact Centre remains open during business hours to take customer calls on 1300 366 311. However, wait times might be affected due to the cyclone’s impacts on staff capacity.

The RTA website and RTA Web Services will still be available for essential bond and tenancy transactions. 

The RTA has a suite of resources available to help both tenants and property managers/owners when a weather event affects a tenancy agreement. These include:

• guides for tenants and for property managers/owners that walk through each step of the process if a rental property has been damaged or destroyed by severe weather
• a natural disasters fact sheet and webpage answering common questions about repairs, payment of rent and rent reductions after severe weather
• webpages explaining when a property becomes unliveable, how to deal with mould and yard and garden maintenance, including who is responsible for fallen trees and branches
• podcast episodes on storms, cyclones and flooding and what to do when a property becomes unliveable.

Residents should look for updates from their local council in the first instance, evacuate if needed and call triple zero (000) in an emergency. Information about Tropical Cyclone Alfred and the support available for residents is available on the Queensland Government Disaster Management website. For housing assistance, residents can contact 13 QGOV (13 74 68).

This weather event may cause disruptions to postal, electrical and internet services in the affected areas. These disruptions can cause delays in RTA processing times. 

Customers who are unable to submit a form to the RTA due to service disruptions are encouraged to contact the RTA as soon as it is possible. We will continue to support all RTA customers, including those involved in a current bond refund or dispute process.

Supporting the rental sector and our staff

In line with Queensland Government messaging to avoid unnecessary travel, the RTA front counter at 150 Mary Street, Brisbane, has been closed to ensure public safety and that of our staff while they continue to support the rental sector remotely.

RTA Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Smith said tenants and property managers/owners may experience slower than usual response times from the RTA.

‘Like everyone else across South East Queensland, our staff may be affected by the winds and flooding Tropical Cyclone Alfred is expected to bring. We are committed to supporting the rental sector as best we can during this time.’

We are continuing to monitor the situation and will provide regular updates on our website. Customers are reminded that the RTA website is the best source for updates on RTA services during this weather event.