Latest Queensland Government rental reforms and announcements
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Rent increase frequency changes On 1 July 2023, new legislation came into effect limiting rent increases to no more than once every 12 months. Learn more on our rent increase frequency changes webpage.
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Minimum housing standards New standards came into effect for new tenancies (including renewed tenancy agreements) from 1 September 2023. They will come into effect for all remaining tenancies on 1 September 2024. Learn more on our rental law changes webpage.
About the Housing Legislation Amendment Bill 2021
The Housing Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 (HLA Bill) received royal assent and became law on Wednesday 20 October 2021.
Queensland's new legislation, which is administered by the RTA, has amended the following legislation:
- Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008
- Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Regulation 2009
- Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation (COVID-19 Emergency Response) Regulation 2020 (expired 30 April 2022)
The Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Amendment Regulation 2022 (RTRA Amendment Regulation) released on 22 July 2022 provides further information about the tenancy law changes.
It’s important to remember that not all changes commenced immediately. Changes from the amendments are being implemented in phases over a three-year period to ensure the sector has sufficient time to prepare for, understand and adopt the changes.
Summary of implementation times
- Strengthen protections for renters experiencing domestic and family violence
Commenced on 20 October 2021 - Framework for all parties to negotiate renting with pets
Commenced on 1 October 2022 - Changes to approved reasons to end a tenancy
Commenced on 1 October 2022 - Repair orders – orders of tribunal carrying out emergency repairs
Commenced on 1 October 2022 - Minimum housing standards
Commenced for new tenancies on 1 September 2023. If a new tenancy is signed or an existing tenancy is renewed from this date, the property must meet minimum housing standards. Minimum housing standards will commence for all remaining tenancies on 1 September 2024
You can read more about the intention of the Bill in the explanatory notes.
Further background
On 18 June 2021, the Queensland Government introduced the Housing Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 to the Queensland Parliament.
The Bill was referred to the Community Support and Services Committee for detailed consideration and submissions were invited on the proposed changes through the Committee process until 13 July 2021.
The Committee tabled its report on the Bill on 16 August 2021.
The Bill was passed by Queensland Parliament on 14 October 2021.
To learn more about the Renting in Queensland rental reforms process, visit chde.qld.gov.au.
About the rent increase frequency changes
On Tuesday 18 April 2023 the Queensland Parliament passed legislation to limit rent increase frequency to once every 12 months.
The rent increase frequency changes were introduced under the Local Government Electoral and Other Legislation (Expenditure Caps) Amendment Bill 2022.
As of 1 July 2023, the annual limit on rent increase frequency applies to all new and existing tenancies.
You can read more about the Bill in the explanatory notes.