Changes to Queensland rental laws came into effect from 6 June 2024. Further changes commenced on 30 September 2024. Learn more.
Minimum housing standards came into effect for new tenancies (including renewed tenancy agreements) from 1 September 2023 and for all remaining tenancies from 1 September 2024.
Renting laws in Australia vary from state to state.
In Queensland there are rules surrounding the rental of a house, unit, share house, room, caravan or houseboat.
These rules are set out in the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (the Act).
The Act states:
- the rights and responsibilities of tenants and property managers/owners
- what tenants and property managers/owners can and cannot do
- how to address issues that may arise during the tenancy, and
- what happens if the tenant/property manager/owner breaks the law.
The Act applies to:
- tenants renting a house, unit or caravan from a property manager/owner
- tenants renting a room from a rooming accommodation manager
It does not apply to:
- contracts of sale or mortgages if the sale of contract is for 28 days or less
- holiday lettings
- rental purchase plan agreements
- temporary refuge accommodation (e.g. a women’s shelter)
- commercial property (e.g. shop leases)
- renting outside of Queensland
There are other types of rental accommodation that may be covered by the Act. Contact the RTA for more information.