Rental property Qld: New laws to make renting ‘fairer, safer and easier’ for tenants

Renting a property in Queensland has just become “fairer, safer and easier” for the 600,000 Queenslanders who rent, the government says, after legislation banning rent bidding and protecting tenants’ privacy was introduced into parliament.

Queensland’s rental laws will be overhauled with new legislation banning rent bidding and protecting tenants’ privacy introduced into the state’s parliament on Thursday.

Reforms will also include establishing a head of power to establish a rental sector code of conduct, a portable bond scheme, requiring bond claims to be supported by evidence and framework for parties to agree on installing modifications in rental properties.

Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon said the new laws were “about making renting fairer, safer and easier” for the 600,000 Queenslanders who rent.

“Renters won’t have to find additional money for a new bond when they move, and they won’t have to bid more than advertised on a rental,” she said.

“Renters will have their privacy protected and a new code of conduct will stamp out dodgy and unprofessional practices.”

Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon said the new laws were “about making renting fairer, safer and easier”. Picture: NCA NewsWIRE / John Gass

Also in the legislation will be amendments to clarify that a co-renter may apply to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal for an order to be recognised as the sole renter if the person’s domestic associate has perpetrated domestic and family violence.

The changes were aimed at making it easier for renters experiencing domestic and family violence to stay in their rental home if they wish.

Amendments will also be included to prohibit rental property owners and property managers from disclosing any personal information about a vacating renter experiencing domestic and family violence.

“These important protections go alongside cost-of-living support we are rolling out for Queenslander renters to cover things like rent arrears and increases, and this Bill will make sure they can get a home and stay in it,” Ms Scanlon said.

“While the LNP tore up the code of conduct and axed tenancy support, our Labor government will never turn our back on renters.”