The staged roll out of Queensland’s new rental laws will commence on 30 September 2024, following the passing of the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 earlier this year.
Reforms commencing on 30 September 2024 include:
- Limiting the amount that can be requested for a rental bond to four weeks rent
- Requiring property owners and property managers to provide renters with at least two ways to pay rent, including one fee-free method
- Requiring property owners and property managers to provide evidence to renters to support a claim on a rental bond
- Requiring property owners and property managers to pass on utility bills the renter is responsible for paying under the tenancy agreement promptly to renters for payment
- Limiting re-letting costs based on the time remaining on a fixed-term lease.
The next set of reforms will commence on 1 May 2025, those reforms are:
- Requiring 48 hours notice for entries other than general inspections, safety checks and in emergencies
- Developing a prescribed form for rental applications and requiring that personal information be managed securely
- Requiring property owners and property managers to disclose any financial benefits they receive from any rent payment method they offer
- Giving renters a choice about how to apply for a rental property
- Clarifying the process for renters and property owners to agree to attaching fixtures and making changes to a rental property.
More information on the Queensland’s rental reforms can be found on the government’s website.