Rental law reform

Working together for a better renting future

The Queensland Government is committed to a better renting future for Queenslanders. The priority is to provide a strong, balanced approach that protects renters and rental property owners while improving stability in the rental market.

The Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 received Assent on 6 June 2024.

Changes to the law will come into effect in stages. Reforms that respond to current housing market conditions, including applying the 12-month limit on rent increases to the rental property instead of the tenancy and banning all forms of rent bidding, commenced on 6 June 2024.

Reforms that commenced on 30 September 2024 include:

  • limiting the maximum amount that can be requested for a rental bond to 4 weeks’ rent
  • requiring property owners and property managers to provide renters with at least 2 ways to pay rent, including at least 1 fee-free method. If one of the payment methods does have a charge, renters must be given written notice about this cost
  • requiring property owners and property managers to pass on utility bills that the renter is responsible for paying under a tenancy agreement promptly to renters for payment
  • requiring that claims against rental bonds be substantiated
  • limiting re-letting costs based on the time remaining on a fixed-term lease.

Reforms commencing on 1 May 2025 include:

  • protecting renters’ privacy by requiring 48 hours’ notice for entries other than general inspections, safety checks and emergencies
  • developing a prescribed form for rental applications and requiring that personal information be managed securely
  • giving renters a choice about how to apply for a rental property
  • requiring property owners and property managers to disclose any financial benefits they receive from any rent payment method they offer
  • clarifying the process for renters and property owners to agree to attaching fixtures and making personalisation changes to a rental property.

These reforms were informed by:

In consultation with the rental sector, the department has also started work developing a:

  • Rental Sector Code of Conduct
  • framework for parties to agree on installing modifications necessary for safety, security or accessibility in rental properties.

Consultation will also be undertaken on the development of a portable bond scheme to help alleviate the costs involved when moving from one rental property to another.

Read more detail about the rental law reforms.

Find out how we got here.

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