REIQ says hunt for a place to stay online must be done with care

The search for a rental place has spread online to social media but carries risks of its own. REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella explains why care must be taken.

Rental shortages in Mackay are prompting a growing trend for sub-letting on social media. Picture: Rae Wilson

Amid historically low rental vacancies, the search for a place, or even a room, to call home in Mackay and elsewhere is growing on social media.

The Real Estate Institute of Queensland has expressed concern about the trend which can almost completely sideline real estate agencies.

REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said she continued to hear stories of people living out of cars or tents, families couch surfing or hopping between stays with extended family and friends.

“Due to recent rental shortages, some tenants may be tempted to throw open a spare bedroom in their rental properties to help a friend or person in need and to make some additional income,” she said.

“Often when the rental market is competitive, people are driven to look for rentals outside of traditional means, such as on social media, which can open up more options but comes with risk.”

These risks included scams and criminal fraudulent behaviour.

Ms Mercorella said subletting was allowed, provided it ticked off legal requirements.

REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella says house or room hunting on social media poses its own risks. Picture: Stewart McLean

“It’s important to understand when renting a property, only the approved tenants and approved occupants named on the tenancy agreement may lawfully reside there,” she said.

“Queensland residential tenancies laws do allow subleasing arrangements to be made by head-tenants upon request and subject to legislative requirements.”

Ms Mercorella also pointed out that unapproved occupants living in a rental property can lead to safety issues and insurance risks and could result in a breach of tenancy laws and tenancy agreements.

“When done correctly, a subletting arrangement between owners and tenants can result in a successful relationship and outcomes for all parties involved – allowing a head-tenant to lend a hand to someone looking for a place to live while also helping to share the cost of renting the property,” she said.

A screen capture of a caravan for rent in the Mackay region. Images: Facebook

Among the posts on Facebook was a recent one for a caravan, at $365 a week, plus moving costs, in the Mackay region.

“Under rental legislation, it is legal to rent out and live in a moveable dwelling, such as a caravan and mobile home, for residential purposes (rather than just holiday purposes),” Ms Mercorella confirmed.

She said a legal written agreement was vital in case of a dispute.

“It is always best to use an official RTA form … a layperson can complete it and it doesn’t have to be done with a lawyer.”

Other Facebook posts are from people moving to Mackay from flooded areas like Lismore or families in urgent need of a new place to stay.

Ms Mercorella welcomed government moves to allow homeowners to rent out granny flats.

“We know finding immediate solutions is very challenging … so the ability to open up existing granny flats to people outside of immediate family members is a great way we can make a considerable difference,” she said.