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.
In very serious cases the RTA may commence criminal proceedings against an individual or corporation in the Magistrates Court.
There is a two-tiered test applied in determining whether a prosecution should proceed:
whether there is sufficient evidence to prove the matter beyond reasonable doubt, and
whether prosecuting the matter is in the public interest.
There is also governance over the approval of the decision to prosecute. This reflects the high level of time and cost commitment that the RTA incurs in proceeding to a prosecution.
Previous RTA prosecutions
Some previous prosecutions undertaken by the RTA can be found below
Sunshine Coast landlord found guilty of unlawful entry
$5000 fine for property manager after repeat offences show “utter contempt”
Agent fined over ‘predatorial’ behaviour towards tenants
Landlord fined $2,000 after RTA probe uncovers illegal entry offences
Gympie landlord prosecuted after land-clearing works at tenants’ acreage home
Real estate agent jailed after joint prosecution
RTA successful in Queensland-first prosecution
Getting your agreements right
Brisbane property owner prosecuted for breaching rental laws
Queensland real estate agency fined $10k with a criminal conviction recorded
