Since 2022, Queensland’s rental landscape has shifted significantly. With stricter rules for ending tenancies and expanded tenant rights, landlords face increased responsibilities. At Affinity Property, we have analyzed these changes to help you stay compliant and avoid costly disputes.
10 Key Updates Every Landlord Must Know
- Minimum Housing Standards: Properties must meet specific safety, security, and sanitation criteria (e.g., functioning locks, privacy curtains, no mould). Action: Conduct a compliance audit now to avoid breach claims.
- Repair Orders: QCAT can issue binding orders for repairs that stay with the property even after a sale. Action: Address maintenance requests immediately to avoid tribunal involvement.
- Pet Requests: You can no longer issue a blanket "no pets" refusal. Refusals must be based on reasonable grounds (e.g., lack of fencing). Action: Implement a strong Pet Agreement to cover potential damages.
- Rent Increase Limits: Rent can only be increased once every 12 months. This applies to the property, not just the tenancy. Action: Keep meticulous records of all increase dates.
- Evidence of Increases: Tenants can request written proof of the last rent increase date. Action: Maintain accurate ledgers to provide this within the required 14-day window.
- Selling & Buying: Sellers must disclose the last rent increase date. Buyers inherit this timeline, meaning you may be unable to raise rent immediately after purchase. Action: Factor this into your yield calculations before buying or selling.
- Re-Letting Costs: If a tenant breaks a lease, re-letting fees are capped based on the remaining lease term (often up to 4 weeks' rent). Action: Ensure your lease clearly outlines these costs.
- Domestic Violence Provisions: Victims can end leases immediately with minimal penalty and protect their bond contribution. Action: Secure Landlord Insurance to cover potential rent loss or damage not covered by the bond.
- Rent in Advance Caps: You cannot accept more than 2 weeks' rent in advance for periodic leases (or 1 month for fixed-term) at the start of a tenancy.
- Rent Bidding Ban: It is illegal to ask for or accept offers above the advertised rental price. Action: Always base your pricing on a detailed market appraisal.
Need help navigating these changes? Contact Affinity Property today.