THE Queensland Government will undertake the first review of rental laws in 40 years.
Changes may for the first time allow renters to hang pictures or keep pets.
It will undertake statewide consultation ahead of the reforms
Renters, landlords and real estate agents will be asked for their views about the changing market and whether the system works.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said all deserved safe, secure and sustainable homes while many Queenslanders saw investing in rental properties as a way of securing the financial future.
“My government wants Queensland to have contemporary residential tenancy laws that protect tenants and property owners alike and improves stability in the rental market,” she said.
“The last full-scale review and changes to the tenancy regulations dates back to 1970s. It’s well and truly time for another now.
“Queensland has one of the highest proportions of people renting in Australia and many will rent for part or all of their lives.”
Ms Palaszczuk said:
- 34 per cent of Queensland households find their homes in the rental market and rent for longer.
- 43 per cent of tenants had rented for more than 10 years
- 42 per cent of families rent in the private sector.
A national tenant survey released in 2017 by CHOICE, National Shelter and National Association of Tenant Organisations reported tenant concerns that included:
- 62 per cent felt they could not ask for change.
- 50 per cent feared being blacklisted on a tenancy data base
- 21 per cent said they had waited more than seven days for urgent repairs.
- 20 per cent had maintenance issues.
- 8 per cent live in a home in need of urgent repairs.
Rental property owners expressed concern that when things go wrong, such as rent arrears or evicting tenants, it came at a high cost. Rental bonds might not cover all expenses incurred at the end of a tenancy.
The average cost to replace a tenant at the end of a fixed term lease is $1800.
Housing and Public Works minister Mick de Brenni said renters should enjoy a decent standard of living and property owners deserved well managed properties.
“Over the next three months, I want the state-wide consultation to come up with answers as to how can people better enforce their rights and how can competing interests be managed better,” Mr de Brenni said
“Many tenants have raised with me that it is difficult to hang your kids school photos or paintings on the wall in rental properties.
“Australians have one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world with 62 per cent of households keeping a pet, however only 10 per cent of rental properties have pets living in them.
“How can we make it easier for landlords and tenants to agree on having a pet?
“How can we make it easier for tenants to add finishing touches to their home without causing damage that would be costly for property owners?
“Property owners have raised with me that they want to see regular inspections to properties and for repairs to be addressed more quickly to ensure their investments are protected.
“While Tenancy legislation provides the framework and processes to follow, sometimes things go wrong.
“People may have to take further action, such as dispute resolution through the Residential Tenants Authority, or going to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Authority to get orders enforced.
“For both property owners and tenants , this can be time consuming and challenging and they may require further support.”
The Open Doors to Renting Reform consultation program is being conducted by the Department of Housing and Public Works in conjunction with the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA).
It aims to ensure the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 provides better protections for tenants and property owners and increases stability in the rental market.
The consultation runs until November 30 at pop up kiosks at markets and shopping centres or via a website, survey at: www.yoursayhpw.engagementhq.com/rentinginqueensland
