If you own a rental property in Queensland and you haven’t updated yourself on the law changes from the past 12–18 months, now is the time. Not because the RTA is out to get you, but because ignorance of the rules doesn’t protect you from the consequences of breaking them.
Here’s a plain-English breakdown of what’s changed, what it means for you, and what you need to do about it.
1. Entry Notice Is Now 48 Hours — Not 24
From 1 May 2025, the minimum notice you must give a tenant before entering the property increased from 24 hours to 48 hours. This applies to routine inspections, general access, and most other entry types.
What’s still 24 hours: repairs and maintenance (where the tenant has requested them).
What’s still no notice required: genuine emergencies.
If your property manager is still operating on 24-hour not, it’s a breach of your tenant’s rights.
2. Rent Increases Are Locked to the Property, Not the Tenancy
Queensland already limited rent increases to once per year. But the 2024–25 reforms tightened this further: the 12-month clock now resets based on the property, not the tenancy.
That means if a new tenant moves in and the previous tenant received a rent increase 6 months ago, you cannot increase the rent again for another 6 months, even with a new lease.
This catches a lot of landlords off guard, especially those who assumed a new tenancy meant a fresh start on rent timing.
3. Rental Bidding Is Banned — With Real Penalties
Soliciting, encouraging, or accepting rent above the advertised price is now prohibited. This includes subtle tactics like hinting that a higher offer would be “looked upon favourably.”
Penalties for rental bidding have increased to $10,000 for individuals and more for corporations. If your property manager is running any kind of informal bidding process to maximise your rent, they’re exposing you, not just themselves, to liability.
4. Mandatory Rental Application Form (Form 22)
From 1 May 2025, all rental applications in Queensland must use the official Form 22 (or Form R22 for rooming accommodation). Property managers cannot use their own custom forms or ask for information outside what the approved form permits.
This standardises what can be requested from applicants and limits the scope for discriminatory or invasive screening.
If your property manager is still using their own application form, they’re operating outside the law.
5. Minimum Housing Standards Apply to All Properties
Minimum housing standards have now fully rolled out across all Queensland tenancies.
Your property must meet baseline standards across:
Security: functioning locks on all external doors and windows
Structure: weatherproof, structurally sound, free of significant dampness
Plumbing: working toilet, hot and cold water, functional drainage
Electrical: safe wiring, working stove and oven
Ventilation: windows or doors that open in living areas and bedrooms
These aren’t aspirational guidelines, they’re legal requirements. A property that doesn’t meet these standards cannot be lawfully advertised for rent.
6. No-Grounds Evictions Are Gone
Queensland removed “without grounds” evictions for periodic tenancies. You can still end a tenancy, but you need a valid reason, such as:
Selling the property
Moving in yourself or a family member
Significant renovations requiring vacant possession
And you need to follow the correct notice periods and documentation. Issuing a notice to leave without a valid ground is now unlawful.
What This Means If You’re Self-Managing (Or Poorly Managed)
These changes aren’t optional, and they’re not being phased in gently. If you’re self-managing, you need to know this law inside out. If you’re using a property manager who hasn’t updated their processes, you’re carrying the risk.
A compliant property manager should be:
Issuing 48-hour entry notices as standard
Tracking rent increase dates against the property, not the tenancy
Using Form 22 for all applications
Ensuring your property meets minimum housing standards before advertising
Advising you on valid grounds before issuing any notice to leave
If yours isn’t doing all of the above, that’s worth a conversation.
Housit Keeps You Compliant — Without the Guesswork
At Housit, Queensland rental law compliance isn’t a bonus feature, it’s the baseline. We stay current on every legislative change so you don’t have to, and we manage your property accordingly from day one.
Flat $39/week. All-inclusive. No lock-in contracts.
Ready to manage your property the right way?
Get started at housit.com.au