Latest rental law
changes, explained simply.

Calculated based on remaining time on the agreement and whether the fixed term is greater or less than 3 years.

Tenants must be offered two ways to pay rent, including one that does not incur more than usual bank costs.

Bills must be provided within a 4-week timeframe; if not, the tenant is not required to pay. New rules also apply to how water charges are calculated.

Bond is capped at 4 weeks rent. Tenants may request refunds for bonds paid above this amount prior to 30 September 2024.

When making or disputing a bond claim, the property manager/owner must provide supporting evidence to the tenant within 14 days.

The RTA can now share information with other government agencies to improve compliance.

It is now an offence for anyone involved in a tenancy to provide false or misleading information to the RTA.

Rent bidding and accepting offers above the advertised price are prohibited.

At the start of a tenancy, no more than 2 weeks (periodic) or 1 month (fixed term) can be requested in advance.

Rent increases are limited to once every 12 months, attached to the property (not the tenancy). Written agreements must include the date of the last rent increase. Tenants can request written proof of the last increase date within 14 days.

Managing parties may apply to QCAT for permission to increase rent within 12 months on hardship grounds, with the tribunal considering tenant affordability.

Rooming accommodation must be advertised at a fixed price.

New grounds for entry to rooming accommodation to install, maintain, or repair smoke alarms.

Revised process for refunding bonds involving commercial bond loan suppliers.

Bonds must be lodged for each room where the owner lives on-premises (up to 3 rooms), and for student accommodation.

If a dispute is dismissed or withdrawn at QCAT, the RTA can release the bond per the original request.

Greater clarity on ending short moveable dwelling tenancies, community title scheme terminations, and student entitlement terminology.

Revised process for contacting former tenants and advertising stored goods.

Amended terminology and expanded confidentiality requirements.

Minimum housing standards extended to all remaining rental properties. Previously, standards had only applied to new tenancies from 1 September 2023.

Rent increases limited to once every 12 months, introduced 1 July 2023 via the Local Government Electoral and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2023.

Minimum housing standards applied to new and renewed tenancies from 1 September 2023.

New framework making it easier for tenants to keep pets. Owners can only refuse on reasonable grounds. Tenants must submit a written request; landlords must respond within 14 days. Failure to respond is treated as approval.

New rules and greater clarity on approved grounds and processes for how tenancies can be ended.

Tenants can now apply to QCAT for a repair order if urgent or non-urgent repairs are not completed by the owner or property manager.

New protections introduced, including the ability for affected tenants to end a tenancy without penalty and confidentiality provisions.