Homes for Queenslanders: Reforms introduced to make renting fairer and easier

• The Miles Government delivers Homes for Queenslanders with introduction of Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024
• The Bill will legislate reforms like banning rent bidding, pave the way for a code of conduct for the rental sector and portable bond scheme, as well as tying limits on rental increases to the property

The Miles Government continues to deliver on actions from Homes for Queenslanders, today introducing the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 (the Bill) into the state’s parliament.

The Bill will make law a number of actions outlined in the government’s housing blueprint, including:

• banning all forms of rent bidding
• requiring bond claims to be supported by evidence
• protecting renters’ privacy by requiring a minimum 48 hours entry notice
• setting up a prescribed form to be used to apply for a rental home, with any information collected to be handled securely
• limiting reletting costs based on how long is left on a fixed term lease, and
• giving renters a fee-free option to pay rent and choice about how they apply for a rental property

The Bill will establish a head of power to establish a rental sector code of conduct, a framework for parties to agree on installing modifications in rental properties and a portable bond scheme.

It will also amend laws to attach the 12-month limit on rent increases to the property instead of the tenancy, to help stabilise rents and provide more certainty for renters.

To make sure reforms are enforced, the Bill will also put the focus of Residential Tenancies Authority’s role on administering and enforcing rental reforms.

The Bill follows extensive engagement with renters, rental property owners and managers, peak and advocacy groups and the broader sector.

It delivers on a raft of National Cabinet commitments under A Better Deal for Renters, including prescribing a rental application form, limiting what information can be requested from a prospective renter and limiting reletting costs.

The Bill builds on reforms introduced in 2021, including:

• Ending without grounds evictions, providing more certainty about how and when a tenancy can end
• Strengthening protections for renters against retaliatory actions, such as eviction and rent increases, if they try to enforce their rights
• Setting minimum housing standards to ensure rentals are safe, secure and functional
• Making it easier for renters to have a pet
• Giving renters experiencing domestic and family violence the right to end their tenancy with limited liability for end of lease costs.

Following its introduction, the Bill has been referred to the parliament’s Cost of Living committee ahead of debate in parliament later this year.

Quotes attributable to Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon:

“More than 600,000 Queensland households rent. These reforms are about making renting fairer, safer and easier.

“Renters won’t have to find additional money for a new bond when they move, and they won’t have to bid more than advertised on a rental.

“Renters will have their privacy protected and a new code of conduct will stamp out dodgy and unprofessional practices.

“While the LNP tore up the code of conduct and axed tenancy support, our Labor Government will never turn our back on renters.

“These important protections go alongside cost-of-living support we are rolling out for Queenslander renters to cover things like rent arrears and increases, and this Bill will make sure they can get a home and stay in it.”

Further information: 

Anyone who needs housing assistance can contact their local Housing Service Centre during business hours or call the 24/7 Homeless Hotline on 1800 474 753.

ENDS

Media contact: Francis Dela Cruz – 0420 592 078