Are you a tenant or owner in Queensland?
Here’s a quick yet comprehensive breakdown of the upcoming changes coming into effect on May 1 2025.
Changes to the rental application process
Currently, rental laws do not regulate what information can be requested from renters when they apply for a rental property.
From May 1 2025, rental property owners and property managers will be required to use an approved rental application form. This will standardise the information that can be collected from prospective renters.
This includes the renter’s:
Name and contact details
Previous tenancies
Current Employment
Income Referees
Intended tenancy term
Additionally, rental property owners and managers will only be able to request up to two supporting documents from each of these categories:
Identity
Financial ability to pay rent
Suitability for the tenancy
As an owner or manager, what can’t I ask for?
As of May 1, it will be an offence for rental property owners and managers to request certain information, including legal action taken by prospective renters and their rental bond history. Applicants must also be given at least two ways of submitting their application (online or paper, using the approved RTA application form).
The reforms are designed to increase applicant privacy
These reforms will protect rental applicants’ privacy by standardising the personal information they can be asked to provide when applying to rent a home. The changes are also set to increase consistency and fairness in the rental application process.
To recap
Property owners and managers cannot ask previous or prospective tenants for:
Details on breaches to the tenant
Rental bond history and claims against the bond
Bank statements
Breaches issued to the owners by the tenants
It will also be illegal to keep a copy of the tenant’s ID on file. Property owners and managers will only be able to request to view or hold a copy if the tenant agrees.
Property owners and managers can ask prospective tenants for:
Details about their income
References
Framework to install safety, security or accessibility modifications
Changes to the rental property modification process
Some renters may need to modify their rental property for safety, security or accessibility purposes. Currently, under the RTRA Act 2008, renters and property owners can agree to changes. However, this process can bring communication and timing issues which result in the consent for modifications being withheld or delayed.
A framework is being developed in consultation with the residential rental sector to help parties agree on installing modifications that are necessary for a renter’s safety, security or accessibility.
The framework will be regulated, making it easier for renters to live safely and independently in their rented homes.
Changes to the personalisation modifications process
Renters often wish to personalise their rental property and make it feel like home, by hanging pictures or planting a garden etc. Currently, there is no formal process to request such a change or respond to a request.
From May 1 2025, the process for making and responding to requests for personalisation changes will require:
Renters are to make requests on an approved form
Rental property owners provide their decision to the renter in writing within 28 days unless both parties agree to a longer timeframe
If the owner agrees to the request, conditions or causes can be included. For example, the change must be removed at the end of the tenancy
If parties can’t agree, they can access the RTA free dispute resolution service to help them resolve the dispute. If this is unsuccessful, renters can apply to QCAT for an order about making a change.
This reform will encourage renters to stay in their rental property longer.
Extending entry notice periods
Renters have a right to undisrupted privacy in their rental property and owners have a right to enter the property for approved reasons if they comply with the rules of entry, including giving renters the required notice.
Under the current rental laws, rental property owners and property managers are required to give 24 hours’ notice for entries other than for general inspections, to meet safety requirements or in an emergency.
From 1 May 2025, the entry notice period will increase from 24 to 48 hours, except for entry to rooming accommodation for cleaning, which will remain 24 hours.
This reform will protect renters’ privacy and give them more time to make arrangements if they want or need to be present when the entry occurs.
The reform strikes an appropriate balance between a renter’s privacy and property owners’ or managers’ need to access the property to manage their investment.
Limited entry at the end of a tenancy
Rental property owners and managers can enter rental properties at the end of a tenancy to show the property to prospective renters or buyers and allow tradespeople to complete maintenance and repairs needed at the property. However, excessive entries can interfere with the existing renter’s right to privacy.
From 1 May 2025, rental property owners and managers will be limited to no more than two entries every seven days (smoke alarm access exempted), after a notice to end the tenant has been given by either the renter or the owner. This limit will apply unless entry is required to meet safety obligations, for emergencies or a renter agrees to more frequent entry.
This reform will minimise disruption for vacating renters, whilst ensuring rental property owners and managers have necessary access to the property when the tenancy is ending.
All information on this page has been collected from RTA, and does not constitute professional legal or financial advice. Please consult your property manager for more information.
