Queensland’s rental reforms are now in force. This 2026 guide summarises the current rules on rent, bonds, applications, privacy, entry and property changes.
Last updated: August 2026
The changes were phased in on 6 June 2024, 30 September 2024 and 1 May 2025. The Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Regulation 2025 also supports the current forms and procedures.
Changes that commenced on 6 June 2024
Rent increases, rent bidding and rent in advance
- Rent increases are generally limited to once every 12 months and the limit attaches to the rental property, not merely to a particular tenancy. Agreements must record the date of the last rent increase, and supporting evidence must generally be provided within 14 days if requested.
- Rent bidding is prohibited. A property must be advertised at a fixed rent and a property manager or owner must not accept an offer above the advertised amount.
- At the start of a tenancy, the amount of rent in advance that may be solicited, invited or accepted is capped at two weeks for periodic, rooming and moveable dwelling agreements, and one month for fixed-term agreements.
Changes that commenced on 30 September 2024
Re-letting costs and rent payment methods
- For fixed-term agreements of three years or less, statutory re-letting costs are calculated by reference to the remaining term. The tenant pays the lower of the prescribed amount or the rent until a new tenant moves in.
- Tenants must be offered at least two ways to pay rent. At least one method must be reasonably available and must not cost more than the tenant’s usual bank transaction costs.
- Property managers and owners must give utility bills to tenants within four weeks if they intend to require payment.
Bond claims
- A rental bond is generally capped at four weeks rent.
- A property manager or owner who makes or disputes a bond claim must provide supporting evidence to the tenant within 14 days after lodging the claim or dispute.
Changes that commenced on 1 May 2025
Rental applications and personal information
- Property managers and owners must use the approved Rental application Form 22 for general tenancies and moveable dwellings, or Form R22 for rooming accommodation.
- Applicants must be offered at least two application methods, and at least one method must not be restrictive.
- Only permitted information may be requested. Personal information must be handled in accordance with the tenancy legislation and other applicable privacy laws.
- Personal information collected from unsuccessful applicants must generally be destroyed within three months after the successful tenancy starts, subject to lawful exceptions.
Entry notices and frequency
The minimum notice period for most entries increased from 24 hours to 48 hours. Separate limits apply to the frequency of entry after a notice to end the tenancy has been issued. Existing statutory exceptions and emergency-entry rules remain relevant.
Fixtures and structural changes
A tenant requesting approval to attach a fixture or make a structural change must use the prescribed written process, including Form 23. The managing party generally has 28 days to respond.
Benefits connected with rent-payment methods
A property manager or owner must disclose in writing any financial benefit they may receive if a tenant uses a particular rent-payment method.
Which RTA forms matter?
- Form 22: rental application for general tenancies and moveable dwellings.
- Form R22: rental application for rooming accommodation.
- Form 23: request to attach fixtures or make structural changes.
- The applicable entry notice form, bond forms and notice-to-remedy or notice-to-leave forms must be the current RTA versions for the tenancy type.
Practical steps for landlords, agents and tenants
- Check the property’s last rent-increase date before proposing a new rent.
- Use current RTA forms and retain evidence of how notices and applications were provided.
- Document bond claims with invoices, reports, photographs or other supporting material within the required period.
- Review application-platform settings, privacy retention periods and rent-payment arrangements.
- Obtain advice where an exemption, QCAT application or disputed termination is involved.
Read the RTA’s current rental law changes summary for the official commencement dates and operational guidance.
This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Outcomes depend on the agreement, property and facts.
