The PM just announced outcomes from the National Cabinet discussion about rental reforms. We think more needs to be done to limit the amount rent can rise. This is the summary of their proposals:
“A Better Deal for Renters
– Develop a nationally consistent policy to implement a requirement for genuine reasonable grounds for eviction, having consideration to the current actions of some jurisdiction.
The Palaszczuk Government has unveiled a package of measures to implement the freeze on evictions.
Deputy Premier Jackie Trad is encouraging tenants, property owners and agents to work together to sustain tenancies during this public health emergency.
“We’ve all heard of stories of too many Queenslanders who are doing it tough right now, and the Palaszczuk Government recognises the hardship they are suffering.
“It’s not in the interest of anyone to have tenants left without a place to go when we are fighting to prevent the spread of a deadly disease.
“We will not allow anyone to be evicted because they can’t pay their rent as a result of this crisis.”
The Queensland government has just announced the first step in their tenancy law review process, right in time for International Tenants’ Day. Read their press release here.
We’ll update you over the next few days.
The Office of Fair Trading and the RTA have been looking into how real estate agents handle tenants’ bond. Earlier today the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, the Hon Yvette D’Ath, issued the following media release:
“A joint agency crackdown on real estate agents withholding tenants’ bonds in Queensland has led to investigations against 13 agents, with a further 20 agents targeted for follow up inquiries, in the name of consumer protection.
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) and the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) partnered for a joint compliance operation from January-April this year.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath said the operation was established in response to concerns that tenants’ rights were being ignored by agents who weren’t lodging bonds with the RTA within required timeframes.
“Bond money does not belong to a real estate agent and must be transferred to the RTA correctly and within legislated timeframes,” Mrs D’Ath said.
“Most agents are doing the right thing; but it’s important that tenants are treated fairly and legally, and I’m pleased to see action taken against non-compliant agencies,” Mrs D’Ath said.
“This behaviour also impacts on the broader integrity of the industry and I know agents welcome such investigations so that all are not tarred with the same brush.”
The OFT issued statutory notices to 54 real estate agencies across the state, requesting agents provide their rent roll information to the OFT.
Last Thursday CHOICE, the National Association of Tenants’ Organisations (NATO) and National Shelter called for governments to prioritise rental security and quality issues, not just housing affordability. This followed the release of Unsettled, Life in Australia’s Private Rental Market, the results of a national survey by the same groups, in which widespread fear and discrimination was reported by thousands of Australians.
Key findings from Unsettled were:
For those who rent, this was no surprise but media across the country picked up the story with coverage on
Tenancy law changes from July 1 will improve conditions for Queensland tenants who are listed on a tenancy database. Queensland Housing Minister De Brenni released a press statement highlighting the changes.
Key changes include:
Listing parties will have up to six months to comply with some parts of the new legislation, including ensuring removal of all listings that are more than 3 years old.
For how the changes apply to you see the TQ Tenancy Database fact sheet under Information for tenants