Queensland government promises to progress rental reforms

Earlier this month the Daily Mercury revealed Mackay’s housing shortage had reached a crisis point, with soaring rents just part of the problem.

An aerial view of Mackay. Picture: Zizi Averill

Queensland will follow Victoria’s lead in progressing rental reforms, the state’s housing minister has confirmed.

Earlier this month, the Daily Mercury revealed Mackay’s housing shortage had reached a crisis point, with soaring rents and a lack of accommodation options threatening our most vulnerable.

Communities and Housing Minister Leeanne Enoch said the Palaszczuk Government remained committed to rental law reform that provided better protections for renters and lessors and improved stability in the rental market.

“In 2020, the Palaszczuk Government prioritised responding to the health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the residential rental sector by establishing a set of temporary COVID-19 regulatory measures,” Ms Enoch said.

“The government will progress rental reforms during this term, informed by consultation with key stakeholders and learnings from the COVID-19 response.”

It comes as Victoria’s overdue rental reforms are set to be introduced on March 29, after being delayed because of the pandemic.

The changes will include minimum standards for a property including providing a working toilet, running hot and cold-water supply, a three-star shower head, and a working stove.

From the end of this month, landlords in Victoria can only increase rent once a year.

Tenants will be allowed up to four late rental payments a year and can also undertake urgent repairs, worth up to $2500 without pre-approval.

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Originally published as Queensland government promises to progress rental reforms