Tenancy databases hold information about the tenancy history of tenants. They are often used by real estate agents and lessors to decide a tenant’s suitability when assessing tenancy applications. In Queensland, the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (‘the Act’) regulates the use of tenancy databases by agents, lessors and database operators.
What is a tenancy database?
If an agent or lessor alleges you have breached your tenancy obligations, and lists you on a tenancy database, you may find it difficult to rent a property.
In Queensland, the Act sets out rules an agent or lessor must follow when listing a tenant on a tenancy database. Tenants can only be listed for lawful reasons. The Act sets out steps you can take to dispute database listings that do not meet the requirements of the Act.
These database rules apply to all external tenancy databases, but do not apply to internal databases kept by a real estate agent or housing provider.
When you apply for a tenancy, the agent or lessor must advise you which tenancy databases they use, the reasons they use
the databases, and how you can contact the database operator.
During the tenancy application process if the agent or lessor becomes aware you are listed on a tenancy database, they must notify you about this listing within seven days. They must give you information about who listed you and how you can dispute this listing.
A tenancy database listing should include your name, the listing date, and contact details for the person who made the listing.
Quick facts
- Agents and lessors can only list tenants on a database in accordance with the Act.
- Tenants can only be listed for a lawful reason allowed under the Act.
- Tenants must be informed about proposed listings and given 14 days to object.
- Tenants can only be listed after the tenancy has ended.
- Only tenants named on the agreement can be listed.
- Tenants cannot be listed for more than 3 years.
- Tenants can dispute and seek removal of listings that do not comply with the Act.
- When you apply for a tenancy the agent or lessor must:
- provide information about any tenancy databases they use
- if they become aware you are listed on a tenancy database give you information about the listing.
- If you write to the listing agent, lessor or database operator to request a copy of your listing they must provide a copy within 14 days (they can charge a reasonable fee).
- If a listing is unlawful, incorrect, ambiguous, out of date, or unjust, you can write to the listing agent, lessor or database operator and ask them to amend or remove the listing.
- You can apply to the Tribunal to dispute a proposed listing, or existing listing. The Tribunal can order an agent, lessor or tenancy database operator to amend or remove a listing.
- Listing entities may face penalty fines if they knowingly list a tenant for an unlawful reason, or if they fail to comply with a Tribunal order to amend or remove a listing.
Who can be listed?
You can be listed on a tenancy database if:
- the tenancy has ended; and
- You are named as a tenant on the tenancy agreement (other occupants, visitors or children cannot be listed as they were not on the agreement); and
- There is a lawful reason for the listing under the Act.
Before you are listed, the agent or lessor must:
- take all reasonable steps to notify you of a proposed listing on a tenancy database; and
- give you at least 14 days to object to the proposed listing; and
- consider submissions you make regarding the proposed listing.
Reasons you can be listed
There are three reasons a tenant can be listed on a database.
- Money owed above the bond amount
You can be listed if you left a tenancy and owe money for the tenancy that is more than the rental bond amount (if you did not pay a rental bond the amount must be greater than one week’s rent). You must also have:
- received a Notice to Remedy Breach about rent owing which you did not comply with; or
- failed to pay money by the due date stated under a conciliation agreement or Tribunal order; or
- abandoned the premises.
- Termination for objectionable behaviour
You can be listed if the Tribunal made an order to terminate your tenancy due to your objectionable behaviour.
- Termination for repeated breaches
You can be listed if the Tribunal made an order to terminate your tenancy due to your repeated breaches.
Under the Act it is an offence for a lessor, agent or tenancy database operator, to list information on a tenancy database that they know is unlawful. This could result in an RTA investigation and penalty fine.
How long can you be listed?
Three years is the maximum length of time personal information can be held on a tenancy database. After three years the listing must be removed. Database operators can be fined for failing to remove a listing that is more than three years old.
If your listing is not automatically removed after three years you can write to the listing agent, lessor or database operator to advise the listing is out of date and it is required to be removed. If the listing is not removed, you can apply to the Tribunal for an order.
How to know if you are listed
When you apply for a rental property, if the agent or lessor becomes aware you are listed on a tenancy database they must notify you about the listing. Within seven days they must give you a written notice with details of who listed you, the database you are listed on, and how you can dispute the listing.
If your lessor or agent proposes to list you on a database after your tenancy ends, they must give you notice of the proposed listing and give you 14 days to object to the listing. If you move out and do not provide forwarding address details you may not receive notice of a proposed listing.
How to get a copy of your listing.
You can write to the listing agent, lessor, or database operator to request a copy of your listing. They must give you a copy within 14 days. They can charge a fee for this information but this fee must not be excessive.
When can you dispute a listing?
You can dispute a listing and take action to have your listing amended or removed if the listing is:
- not for a lawful reason (such as money owing over the bond or termination for objectionable behaviour or repeated breaches); or
- inaccurate, incomplete, ambiguous, or out of date; or
- unjust – given the circumstances of the listing and the hardship now experienced by the tenant.
Examples of unlawful listings
A person who lived in the premises is listed, but they were not named on the tenancy agreement.
A tenant left owing money but the rental bond was enough to cover the amount owed.
A tenant paid money owed in accordance with a conciliation agreement or QCAT order.
Examples of out-of-date listings
A tenant paid a tenancy debt within 3 months after it was due.
The Tribunal terminated the tenancy but the matter has been reopened or appealed, or the termination order was set aside.
A tenant was listed more than 3 years ago and the listing is now out-of-date.
Example of an inaccurate listing
A tenant owed a debt for the tenancy but paid the money more than 3 months after it became due and the listing was not updated.
Examples of unjust listings
A tenant was in hospital and fell behind with the rent.
A tenant left a property to escape from domestic violence and a remaining tenant was responsible for damage after they left.
Steps to remove a listing
- Find out about your listing
Contact the listing agent, lessor, or database operator, to request a copy of your listing. Your letter can also ask for copies of any evidence they are relying on to justify the listing. It is best to do this in writing, date the letter and keep a copy.
If you make a written request they must provide a copy of your listing within 14 days. They can charge you a fee to provide this information. This fee must be reasonable.
If a listing agent is no longer in business you will need to contact the database operator to access information. In Queensland many real estate agents use the TICA database. You can contact TICA to request a copy of your listing. Contact details for TICA are listed in this factsheet.
- Write a letter to dispute the listing
If a listing does not comply with the Act, or is inaccurate, incomplete, ambiguous or out of date, you can write to the listing agent, lessor or database operator to request that your listing be amended or removed. Make sure you keep a copy of this letter.
If you write to the listing agent or lessor, they have seven days to amend or remove the listing or write to the database operator to amend or remove the listing. If they write to the database operator, they must keep a copy of this letter for at least one year.
If a database operator receives written notice that a listing is unlawful, inaccurate, incomplete, ambiguous, or out of date, they must amend or remove the listing within 14 days.
- Apply for RTA dispute resolution
You may apply to the RTA Dispute Resolution Service for conciliation to resolve your dispute regarding a tenancy database listing. This is an optional step.
- Apply to the Tribunal to remove the listing
If the agent, lessor, or database operator refuses to remove or amend a listing, you can apply to the Tribunal for an urgent hearing. You can request an order that your listing is removed from the database.
Protection for victims of domestic and family violence
A person who is a victim of domestic and family violence can apply to the Tribunal for an order not to be listed on a tenancy database or can request a listing be removed. For example, this applies if the database listing relates to a breach of the tenancy agreement arising from an act of domestic or family violence. For more information see the Domestic and Family Violence and Tenancy Databases Factsheet.
A tenant under the agreement, who was a perpetrator of domestic or family violence, can be listed on a tenancy database if there are grounds for the listing.
Applying to the Tribunal
You can apply to the Tribunal for a hearing to dispute a proposed tenancy database listing or seek removal of an existing listing. All tenancy database applications are urgent Tribunal applications. You can apply under the following sections of the Act.
Application about proposed listing
If you are notified about a proposed listing on a tenancy database, and you believe the listing would be unlawful or unjust, you can apply to the Tribunal for an order that the listing not be made.
Application about breach of listing rules
If a listing is not for a lawful reason set out in the Act, you can apply to the Tribunal to request an order that the listing be removed. You must apply within six months of becoming aware of your listing.
Application about personal information held
If the listing is inaccurate, incomplete, ambiguous, out of date, or unjust in the circumstances, you can seek an order that the listing be amended or removed. You will need evidence to support your case. There is no time limit to apply to the Tribunal to dispute these kinds of listings.
The Tribunal may consider:
- the reason for the listing
- whether you were responsible for the acts or omissions that led to the listing
- the adverse consequences that you have suffered, or are likely to suffer as a result of the listing, such as homelessness
- any other relevant matter (such as the circumstances that led to the listing).
Lodging a Tribunal application
To apply to the Tribunal you will need to complete a Form 2 Application for Minor Civil Dispute – Residential Tenancy Dispute. This form is available from your local courthouse or at www.qcat.qld.gov.au
On the application form you are the applicant. Your first respondent is the agent or lessor who listed you. You should also include the database operator (eg: TICA) as your second respondent. Naming both parties ensures the Tribunal will notify them of any order to remove your listing.
Your application must state the section of the Act you are applying under and the orders you want the Tribunal to make. You will need to attach a copy of your listing and evidence to support your request for removal, for example evidence showing a debt has been paid, or a statement explaining why the listing is unlawful or unjust. You then lodge copies of your completed Tribunal application at the Magistrates Court closest to the rental premises, or at the Tribunal Registry in Brisbane.
When you lodge your Tribunal application you will need to pay a filing fee. Your application can request the respondent compensate you for this fee, especially if the listing was unlawful. If you are on a low income you can use a QCAT Form 49 to request a waiver of the filing fee due to your financial hardship.
The Tribunal will send you a letter to notify you of the date, time and location of your hearing. The Tribunal will also send a notice of the hearing and copies of your application to the respondents.
It is a good idea to contact us for help when completing your application to ensure you are following the correct process.
Contacting tenancy databases
In Queensland, many agents and lessors are members of TICA. TICA does not have an enquiry phone number or email address for tenants. If you are listed on TICA and need to get a copy of your listing, you will need to complete the Access Request to Personal Information form found on the TICA website at www.tica.com.au and then send it to TICA via post. You should include either a stamped self-addressed envelope or your email address. Once TICA receives your request, they will generate an invoice for the fee you must pay to receive a copy of your listing and either post or email the invoice to you. (Tenancy database operators can charge you fee for providing a copy of your listing but it must be reasonable.) After you have paid the fee, TICA will send a copy of your listing by post or email (depending on which option you have chosen). Tenancy database operators must provide you a copy of your listing within 14 days of your request. Tenants who wish to access a TICA listing relating to a tenancy in another state can follow the process here https://www.tica.com.au/tenant-services-access.php.
How to contact other tenancy databases
Visit the website of the database operator and follow the process to obtain a copy of your listing.
Financial Hardship
Some local housing & homelessness services may be able to access a tenancy database for you if your circumstances prevent you from accessing information directly from a database operator.
Time limits
When disputing a listing be aware that time limits may apply. To dispute an unlawful listing you must apply to the Tribunal within six months of becoming aware of your listing.
There is no time limit to apply to the Tribunal to dispute an inaccurate, incomplete, ambiguous, out of date or unjust listing, or a listing that is causing you extreme hardship.
Enforcing a QCAT order
If the listing agent, lessor or database operator, fails to comply with a Tribunal order to remove a listing it is a serious offence. You can make a complaint to the RTA who can investigate the matter and seek penalty fines. You can also apply to the court for an enforcement order for the QCAT decision.