Understanding New Rental Laws
New rental laws for Queensland general tenancies, rooming accommodation and moveable dwelling tenancies are now in effect under the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024, which amends the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (the Act).
Passed by the Queensland Parliament on 23 May 2024, some new laws commenced upon assent on 6 June 2024.
In this blog, we will be covering the rent and increases. As of 6 June 2024, the rent charged is now attached to the property, not the tenant.
Given that we are only permitted to adjust rents once every 12 months, this means that even if a tenant breaks or takes a lease for 6 months and a new tenant is installed, rent cannot be adjusted until the 12-month period has passed. However, a new lease can be signed at the existing rent, and a special condition can be included in the agreement advising the tenant there will be a rent increase during the tenancy, which will come into effect on X date (being at least 12 months from the previous rent increase). The pending increase must be made known to the incoming tenant before the lease is signed.
A new tenant may only pay a maximum of 4 weeks' rent in advance; however, once a tenancy has been established, the tenant may offer to pay, and the property manager/owner may accept more rent in advance. Rent bidding is strictly banned and will attract heavy penalties if exposed. This means the property may only be leased at the advertised prices or less. No upward rent adjustment to the initial advertised price will be permitted.
Stand by for more information on updated rental legislation.
To understand the ongoing rental changes, please visit the RTA website here. To understand further during a tenancy, please visit the RTA website here.
If you require any further support from our Property Management Team on this matter or any other, please know we are here to help.
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