As of the 6th of June, the latest round of QLD rental reforms came into effect in what is expected to be the last set of reforms in a multiple-round reform of the rental system in Queensland. We’ve collated a summary of the changes below.

Rent Bidding

Rent bidding or accepting rent offers higher than the advertised price, are banned.

Paying rent in advance

A property manager/owner cannot, at the start of a new tenancy, solicit, accept or invite a tenant to pay more rent in advance that exceeds two weeks for a periodic tenancy agreement, a rooming accommodation agreement or movable dwelling tenancy agreement and one month for a fixed tenancy agreement, even if a prospective tenant makes an offer to pay more than the amount prescribed in the legislation.

Rent Increases

Rent increases are now limited to once every 12 months and are attached to the property instead of the tenancy. Written agreements must state the date of the last rent increase.

Exemptions for rent increases

Exempt property managers/owners and exempt providers/agents will be exempt from minimum period to increase rent. The Act provides definitions for an exempt property manager/owner and an exempt provider.

Re-letting costs

Re-letting costs will be calculated on the remaining time on the tenancy or rooming agreement and whether the fixed term agreement is greater or less than three years. For agreements up to three years it’s the lower amount of the specified reletting costs or the rent until a new tenant/resident moves in.

Rent payments

Tenants must be offered two ways to pay rent including a way that does not incur more than usual bank costs and is reasonably available to a tenant.

Evidence of last increase

A tenant may (by written notice) request from a managing party, evidence of the day of the last rent increase, which must be provided within 14 days. The requirement to provide evidence of a rent increase does not apply if the premises is purchased within 12 months of commencement, and the property manager/owner does not have information about the date of the last rent increase.

Undue hardship

A managing party may apply to Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) for permission to increase rent within 12 months due to undue hardship. The tribunal must have regard to any representation made by the tenant in relation to affordability and ability to continue to pay rent.

Source: rta.qld.gov.au