Changes to Queensland rental laws came into effect from 6 June 2024. Further changes to maximum bond amount, bond claims, compliance provisions and rent, bond and other payments commenced from 30 September 2024, as part of ongoing rental reforms. Learn more about the changes and what they mean for you.
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.