Ongoing QLD Rental Law Reforms effective as of 6th June 2024

Ongoing rental law changes are now effective with the goal of improving fairness and transparency in the rental application process and helping to stabalise rents.

The key takeaways are:

1. Ban on rent bidding: rent bidding or accepting rent offers higher than the advertised price are banned, including tenants offering large sums of rent upfront (1 months’ worth of rent will be the maximum acceptable)

2. Limit on rent increase frequency: rent can only be increased if it has been at least 12 months since the current rent amount became payable for the premises, irrespective of a change of Property Manager/Owner or Tenant. Previously, if a tenant moved out (via a break-lease, or after a shorter term lease) then the rent could be increased within the 12-month period.

Don’t forget the minimum housing standards which were applicable for all new tenancies from 1st September 2023 will be applicable for ALL tenancies as at 1st September 2024.

It is essential to familiarise yourself with the requirements and take necessary measures to ensure compliance.