Latest rental law
changes, explained simply.
Queensland's tenancy laws have changed significantly since 2022. We track every amendment to the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act and explain what it means for tenants and property owners — in plain English.
Rent increases are now capped at 5% per annum for periodic tenancies. Landlords must still give at least 2 months' written notice. Fixed-term leases are unaffected during the lease term.
Property managers and landlords cannot solicit, encourage or accept rent above the advertised price. Penalties for rental bidding have increased to $10,000 for individuals.
Landlords can no longer end a periodic tenancy without a prescribed ground. Valid grounds include sale of the property, significant renovation, owner-occupancy, or repeated lease breaches. Two months' notice still required.
Landlords must give at least 4 months' notice (up from 2 months) if not renewing a fixed-term agreement at expiry without prescribed grounds. Tenants retain the 2-week minimum notice obligation.
From 1 May 2025, all new and renewed tenancies must have ceiling insulation to a minimum R-value of 2.5. Existing periodic tenancies have until 1 November 2025 to comply.
Properties must have a functioning hot water system that can supply a continuous flow. Cold-only water systems no longer meet the minimum standards for human habitation.
The timeframe for owners to respond to urgent repairs (broken hot water, gas leaks, structural damage) is now 24 hours. Previously this was 'as soon as practicable'. Failure to respond entitles tenants to arrange emergency repairs up to $1,100.
Bond is capped at 4 weeks rent regardless of property type or price. Previously, some agreements required higher bonds by negotiation.
At the start of a tenancy, landlords can only ask for a maximum of 2 weeks rent in advance. This protects tenants from large upfront costs.
Landlords can only refuse a pet request on prescribed grounds (body corporate rules, unsuitable property, excessive number of pets). Any approved pet may be subject to reasonable conditions such as professional cleaning at end of tenancy.
Landlords and property managers can give entry notice electronically (email or app notification) provided the tenant has agreed to receive notices this way. Notice periods remain: 7 days for inspections, 24 hours for repairs.
Routine entry for inspections is now capped at 4 per year, down from no explicit limit. The first inspection cannot occur within 3 months of the tenancy commencing.
Tenants experiencing domestic or family violence can end their tenancy immediately by providing a DV protection order or other prescribed evidence. No break lease fee applies.
A tenancy can be restructured to remove a perpetrator from the lease without ending the tenancy. The remaining tenants retain the existing tenancy with the same terms.
Damage caused by a perpetrator of domestic violence is excluded from bond claims against the affected tenant. Separate bond applications can be made.
From 1 September 2023 (new tenancies from 1 September 2022), properties must meet minimum standards: weatherproof, secure, functional fixtures, adequate ventilation, functioning smoke alarms, and protection from pests.
Tenants gained the formal right to request to keep a pet. Landlords must respond within 14 days. Failure to respond is treated as approval. Refusal must be on prescribed grounds only.
Property managers can apply to QCAT to enter a property without the usual notice period if there is a genuine concern for the health or safety of the occupant.
All Queensland rental properties must now have interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms installed by registered electricians. Hardwired or 10-year lithium battery alarms required. Non-compliance is a breach of the lease agreement.
Property managers and landlords are prohibited from advertising, soliciting, or accepting rent above the listed price. This prevents rent auctions and ensures the advertised price is the asking price.
Temporary COVID-19 emergency rental measures (moratorium on evictions for hardship, mandatory negotiation) ceased. Normal RTRA provisions resumed for all tenancies.
Disclaimer: This page summarises Queensland rental law changes for general information purposes only. It is not legal advice. For your specific situation, consult the Residential Tenancies Authority or a qualified tenancy lawyer.
Rental law FAQs
The most common questions we hear from Queensland tenants about their rights.
Queensland rental law changes 2021 to 2025
Queensland's residential tenancy laws have been substantially updated between 2021 and 2025 under the Housing Legislation Amendment Act 2021 and the RTRA and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024. Key changes include the ban on no-grounds evictions, the pets framework, repair orders, rent increase limits, and the ban on rent bidding.
Tenant rights under the RTRA Act 2008
The Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 is the primary legislation governing renting in Queensland. The RTA administers the Act and provides free dispute resolution services to tenants and property owners. Housit follows Queensland law in full across all managed properties.
Minimum housing standards for rental properties
Queensland minimum housing standards apply to all rental properties from 1 September 2024. Properties must be weatherproof, structurally sound, have functioning locks, and provide working bathroom, kitchen and laundry facilities where applicable. Repairs needed to meet these standards are classified as emergency repairs.
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