Changes To The Tenancy Laws
What you need to know and why?
The RTRA Act has been amended and there are significant changes coming into effect on 1 October 2022.
Some of the most critical changes relate to:
Ending Tenancies Fairly
Changes under the ending tenancies fairly reforms include:
removal of ‘without grounds’ as a reason to end a tenancy
new grounds for property owners to end tenancies, including the end of a fixed-term agreement, need to undertake significant repair or renovation, change of use or sale or preparation for sale of the rental property requires vacant possession
new grounds for renters to end tenancies, including the property is not in good repair, or does not comply with the Minimum Housing Standards.
Renting with Pets
Changes making it easier for renters to have a pet include:
a renter can seek the property owner’s permission to keep a pet, and property owners can only refuse a request on identified reasonable grounds, such as keeping the pet would breach laws or by-laws
the property owner must respond to a request for a pet in writing within 14 days, or consent is implied
the property owner’s consent may be subject to reasonable conditions such as the pet has to be kept outside. A rent increase or a pet bond are not reasonable conditions.
Repair Orders and Minimum Housing Standards
Strengthened repair and maintenance obligations will commence from 1 October 2022 to support the staggered introduction of Minimum Housing Standards from 1 September 2023.
Tenants (residential tenancies) will have 7 days to complete and return the entry condition report
Tenants and property managers can authorise emergency repairs up to the equivalent of 4 weeks rent.
Minimum Housing Standards will apply to new leases entered into from 1 September 2023 and all tenancies from 1 September 2024.
Renters can have confidence their rental property is safe, secure and functional through prescribed Minimum Housing Standards which require:
the premises to be weatherproof and structurally sound
fixtures and fittings to be in good repair and not likely to cause injury to a person
locks on windows and doors
the premises to be free of vermin, damp and mould
privacy coverings
adequate plumbing and drainage
functioning kitchen and laundry facilities (where supplied).
Helpful links and forms can be found on the RTA website
https://www.rta.qld.gov.au/rental-law-changes
At BlueChip Rentals we are always here to help steer you on the right path by protecting your investment. Call us for more advise.