The Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) is reminding property managers and owners across Queensland to ensure they are using compliant rental application forms, following the introduction of a standardised application form on 1 May.
All rental applications in Queensland must comply with the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 and associated regulations. The new standardised rental application, Form 22, outlines what information and documents can be requested from rental applicants under new laws that came into effect this month.
The RTA has had concerns raised about some online application platforms providing non-compliant forms, which may put property professionals at risk of committing an offence.
Acting RTA Chief Executive Officer Kristin Spruce said property managers and owners are ultimately responsible for the forms they offer to prospective tenants.
‘It’s critical that the application form provided to a rental applicant is compliant with Queensland rental laws,’ Ms Spruce said.
‘The responsibility sits with the property manager or owner. If the form they’re using doesn’t comply, they need to use another option — such as the RTA’s official Form 22.’
Ms Spruce warned that failing to comply with the new application form requirements is an offence under the Act and may result in penalties.
‘Non-compliance with rental application laws can carry a fine of up to 20 penalty units,’ she said.
‘The safest and simplest way to ensure compliance is to use the Form 22, which is freely available on the RTA website.’
The RTA is actively monitoring third-party platforms and providing guidance to help ensure their forms meet Queensland’s rental laws. Applicants who believe an offence has been committed may also request an investigation through the RTA.
The authority is encouraging all parties involved in a tenancy to understand their rights and obligations under Queensland rental laws.
For more information
- Visit the RTA’s Application process webpage.
- Download the compliant Rental application form (Form 22).
Note: While the RTA makes every reasonable effort to ensure that information on this website is accurate at the time of publication, changes in circumstances after publication may impact on the accuracy of material. This disclaimer is in addition to and does not limit the application of the Residential Tenancies Authority website disclaimer.