Attention to all landlords in QLD! RTA latest reforms

Attention to all Queensland investment property owners! The Queensland Parliament passed several residential tenancy laws on May 24th and effective on June 6th. The reforms specifically targeting most rental properties on the market include:

Rent bidding or accepting rent offers higher than the advertised price, are banned

property manager/owner cannot, at the start of a new tenancy, solicit, accept or invite a tenant to pay more rent in advance that exceeds two weeks for a periodic tenancy agreement, a rooming accommodation agreement or movable dwelling tenancy agreement and one month for a fixed tenancy agreement, even if a prospective tenant makes an offer to pay more than the amount prescribed in the legislation

Note: throughout the course of a tenancy, a tenant may negotiate how much rent in advance can be paid

Rent increases are limited to 12 months and are attached to the property instead of the tenancy. Written agreements must state the date of the last rent increase

A managing party may apply to Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) for permission to increase rent within 12 months due to undue hardship. The tribunal must have regard to any representation made by the tenant in relation to affordability and ability to continue to pay rent

1. Utility bills – a tenant must receive utility bills within a four-week timeframe unless the managing party has a reasonable excuse, otherwise the tenant does not need to pay. There are also changes to how water charges are calculated and can be charged when a tenancy begins or ends during a billing period. 
2. Entry notice period – the minimum entry notice period has increased from 24 hours to 48 hours, new limits apply to the frequency of entry after a notice to end the tenancy has been issued.
3. Request for fixtures and structural changes – revised process for a tenant to request fixtures and structural changes (in writing) to the managing party who must respond within 28 days.

These new reforms are primarily aimed at better protecting tenants’ rights. If you have any questions related to tenancy or need a professional property management team to manage your investment property, please feel free to contact us.