Queensland tenancy laws

Update

Rental law changes introducing minimum housing standards came into effect for new tenancies (including renewed tenancy agreements) from 1 September 2023, and will come into effect for all remaining tenancies on 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.