Who Should Read This? Real estate rental agents, real estate sales agents, landlords/property investors, developers, build-to-rent developers, and tenants.
Queensland recently enacted new residential rental laws on Friday (7/6), which include the following key points:
- Prohibition on Rent Bidding: Landlords cannot accept or solicit rental offers above the advertised price.
- Maximum Prepaid Rent/Deposit: At the start of a new lease, property managers/owners are prohibited from accepting or requesting more than two weeks’ rent in advance for a periodic lease and more than one month’s rent for a fixed-term lease, even if potential tenants offer to pay more than the legislated amount.
- Rent Increase Limits: Rent can only be increased once every 12 months. The frequency of rent increases is associated with the property, not the lease.
- Exemptions from Rent Increase Limits: Exempt property managers/owners and providers/agents are not subject to the minimum period between rent increases. The legislation defines who qualifies as exempt.
- Evidence of Last Rent Increase: Tenants can request (via written notice) evidence of the last rent increase date, which must be provided within 14 days.
- Financial Hardship Applications: Landlords or property managers may apply to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) for permission to increase rent within 12 months due to financial hardship. The tribunal must consider the tenant’s affordability and ability to continue paying rent.
- Fixed Price Advertising: Rental properties must be advertised with a fixed price.
For further details, please contact Stephen Kwok at 0402 937 286 or visit the Queensland Residential Tenancies Authority website.
