Talking Tenancies

Overview of ongoing rental law changes

Queensland tenancy laws changed on 6 June 2024. The new laws affect rent and increases, bond lodgements and bond refunds, as well as other changes. 

In this episode, we’ll be providing an overview of these new tenancy laws with RTA expert, Jessie Andrell.

Your questions answered on rent increases

From 6 June 2024, changes came into effect for all new and existing tenancies attaching the 12-month frequency limit for rent increases to a property or room, rather than the tenancy or rooming agreement. In this episode, we cover some of the common questions asked around the changes relating to rent increases with RTA Expert, Cassandra Chow.

RTA Compliance & Enforcement

As an experienced regulator, the RTA acts in the public interest to support and protect Queenslanders by addressing issues of alleged non-compliance with the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 in a timely, informed and consistent way.  

We’re committed to upholding and enforcing compliance with the Act through our Compliance and Enforcement team.  In this episode, RTA expert, Scott Catherall joins us to explain compliance and enforcement priorities.

Secondary Dwellings

Property owners can choose to rent out secondary dwellings, such as granny flats to non-household members. It’s important that property owners discuss all terms of an agreement with tenants/residents and ensure the property meets the required standards. In this episode, RTA expert, Susan Cridland joins us to discuss the intricacies of renting a secondary dwelling in Queensland.

Pest Control

Maintaining pest control measures in a rental property are all part of maintaining a healthy living environment and meeting minimum housing standards in Queensland. RTA's expert, Lori Lynam joins us to explain the obligations of property owner/managers and tenants in various situations when it comes to Pest Control.

Minimum Housing Standards

New rules around minimum housing standards are due to come into effect on 1 September 2023 for new tenancies and 1 September 2024 for all tenancies. Minimum housing standards aim to ensure rental properties are safe, secure and functional. They will give tenants, residents, property managers and owners more clarity around the essential requirements and maintenance obligations for Queensland rental properties. In this episode we explore the details with RTA expert, Sam Galer. Visit www.rta.qld.gov.au for more information.

Rent increases

From 1 July 2023, changes to limit rent increase frequency to once every 12 months will come into effect for all new and existing tenancies. 

In this episode, RTA's expert, Sam Galer takes us through the legislative changes and what they mean for the renting community in Queensland. Visit www.rta.qld.gov.au for more information.

How to deal with mould

Mould is something every Queenslander is familiar with, as our warm and wet weather is a key driver in the production of mould at different times of the year. 

Mould may grow indoors in wet or moist areas that lack adequate ventilation, including walls or wallpaper, ceilings, bathroom tiles, carpets, insulation material and wood. If left, mould can cause damage to a home and belongings, and can also pose a health risk to those living in the property.  

Learn more by tuning in with RTA Expert, Stephen Watson.

Repair orders and more

Queensland tenancy laws are changing from 1 October 2022, the new laws provide tenants, property managers and owners with a greater number of reasons to end a tenancy, introduces a framework for negotiating renting with pets, repair orders as well as a few other amendments.  

In this episode, we’ll be specifically focusing on the tenancy law changes around the introduction of repair orders and other amendments. RTA expert, Taylor Dean walks us through the new Queensland tenancy law changes when it comes to repairs and other amendments.

Visit www.rta.qld.gov.au/podcast for more information.

First time renters

There’s a lot to remember when it comes to renting a property and it can be quite overwhelming if you’ve never done it before, trying to find your way on your own. Renting rules and legislation can vary quite a lot state to state, so first time renting in a different state also has its own challenges. We can help you to understand your rights and responsibilities in all stages of the tenancy and point out the resources available to help you make a home and settle in as quickly as possible.

In this episode our expert from the RTA is: Sam Galer - Manager – Customer Experience.