Queensland’s rental laws have undergone a series of progressive reforms since 2021, reshaping the way landlords, tenants, and property managers interact. The most significant milestone is the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Regulation 2025, made on 31 July 2025 and commencing on 1 September 2025. These changes are designed to balance the rights of renters and property owners, improve housing security, and increase transparency in the rental market.
In this article, we explore each major change in depth – from rent control measures to privacy protections – and what they mean for you as a landlord, tenant, or property manager.
Stabilising Rents
Queensland has introduced measures to provide greater certainty around rental costs.
- Annual Rent Increases – Since 1 July 2023, rent can only be increased once per year. From 6 June 2024, this rule applies to the property itself rather than the tenancy, preventing “resetting the clock” by ending a tenancy agreement and re-letting at a higher rent.
- Ban on Rent Bidding – From 6 June 2024, property owners and managers must not solicit or accept offers above the advertised rent or ask for rent in advance beyond the legal limits (two weeks for periodic tenancies or one month for fixed-term agreements).
Fees, Charges, and Payment Options
Queensland is addressing hidden fees and unfair charges that burden renters:
- Fee-Free Rent Payment – Since 30 September 2024, landlords must offer at least one free and accessible rent payment method.
- Timely Utility Billing – Landlords must provide utility bills within 4 weeks of receiving them, or renters are not obliged to pay.
- Capped Re-letting Costs – Break lease costs must be limited proportionally to the time remaining on the agreement.
- Rental Applications – From 1 May 2025, renters must be able to submit applications free of charge, and landlords must declare any financial benefit they receive from preferred payment methods.
Modifications and Personalisation
Queensland is moving toward a more flexible rental market where tenants can make a property feel like home.
- Safety and Accessibility Modifications – A framework is being finalised to allow simple, necessary safety and accessibility modifications (e.g., grab rails) with minimal red tape.
- Other Modifications – From 1 May 2025, requests to attach fixtures or make structural changes must be lodged on an approved form, and landlords must respond within 28 days. If no agreement is reached, free dispute resolution through the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) or a QCAT order is available.
Privacy and Entry
The new rules significantly expand tenant privacy rights:
- 48-Hour Entry Notice – Effective 1 May 2025, landlords must give at least 48 hours notice before entry (except emergencies and safety checks).
- End-of-Tenancy Access Limits – Property access is limited to two entries every seven days once a notice to leave is issued, unless the tenant consents otherwise.
Rental Applications and Personal Data Protection
To prevent intrusive or discriminatory application processes:
- Standardised Application Form – Mandatory from 1 May 2025, limiting the amount and type of information landlords can collect.
- Identity Protection – Renters may show original ID without leaving copies unless they consent.
- Secure Data Handling – Personal data must be securely stored and destroyed within 3 months (if unsuccessful) or 7 years after a tenancy ends.
Bond Process Reforms
Queensland has tightened rules to ensure transparency and fairness:
- Evidence for Bond Claims – Landlords must provide supporting documents within 14 days of claiming bond money.
- Maximum Bond Limit – Capped at four weeks’ rent for all rental premises (except moveable dwellings).
- Direct Refunds – When commercial bond loans are used, refunds go directly to renters.
Domestic and Family Violence Protections
Protections for vulnerable renters remain a key priority:
- Survivors can leave with just 7 days’ notice, access their bond contribution, and change locks without consent.
- From 6 June 2024, co-renters can apply to QCAT to be recognised as sole renters if a household member is violent.
Ending Tenancies
Since 1 October 2022, landlords must have a valid reason to end a tenancy, such as major renovations or property sale requiring vacant possession. Tenants can also end tenancies if properties fail to meet Minimum Housing Standards.
Minimum Housing Standards
From 1 September 2024, all rental properties must:
- Be weatherproof, structurally sound, and free from mould and vermin
- Have functioning locks, adequate plumbing, and privacy coverings
- Provide safe fixtures, fittings, and (where supplied) a functional kitchen and laundry
Renting with Pets
Pet requests are now streamlined:
- Landlords must respond within 14 days or consent is deemed granted.
- Only “reasonable grounds” can justify a refusal, and rent increases or pet bonds are prohibited as conditions.
What This Means for You
Queensland’s 2025 rental law reforms are comprehensive, aiming to provide housing stability, protect renter privacy, and set clear expectations for landlords.
For property owners and managers, this means updating tenancy agreements, processes, and record-keeping systems to remain compliant by the 1 September 2025 deadline.
For renters, these changes provide greater transparency, better privacy protections, and stronger rights to make their rental property safe and liveable.
How Ensure Legal Can Help
Our team of property lawyers at Ensure Legal can assist landlords, property managers, and tenants in understanding and complying with these reforms. Whether you need updated tenancy agreements, guidance on bond disputes, or representation in QCAT proceedings, we provide clear, practical advice to protect your rights and minimise legal risk.
📞 Contact us today to ensure you are ready for the 2025 changes and avoid costly non-compliance.
