Queensland Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) continues to encourage tenants to enquire about outstanding bonds

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Queensland Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) continues to encourage tenants to enquire about outstanding bonds

28 September 2023

In July this year, the Queensland Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) launched a campaign in an effort to remind tenants to check for any outstanding bond payments they may be owed. Property managers and landlords were called upon to encourage tenants to reach out to the RTA to establish whether any bond monies were being held in trust under their name.

The RTA has provided an update on their campaign efforts, announcing that over $6.2 million in forgotten bond monies has been successfully returned to more than 6,200 tenants.

Landlords and property managers are encouraged to make use of an ‘amplifier kit’ developed by the RTA to continue to spread the word and reunite tenants with money owed to them.

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New laws around minimum housing standards commence 1 September 2023 in Queensland

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New laws around minimum housing standards commence 1 September 2023 in Queensland

1 September 2023

The Queensland Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) has announced the introduction of minimum housing standards for all new tenancies from 1 September 2023, meaning that if a tenancy agreement is signed or renewed from this date, the property must meet minimum housing standards. The new laws around minimum housing standards will apply to all remaining residential tenancies from 1 September 2024, providing landlords with the opportunity to bring their currently-tenanted rental properties up to speed with the changes.

The RTA has also released updated forms for residential tenancies to reflect the new laws around minimum housing standards.

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Queensland Residential Tenancies Authority reports over 114,000 outstanding bond payments

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Queensland Residential Tenancies Authority reports over 114,000 outstanding bond payments

11 July 2023

The Queensland Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) is campaigning for tenants to check whether they may have unclaimed bond money being held by the RTA. The RTA has reported the following:

  • more than 114,000 outstanding bond payments are yet to be claimed, with almost half (46%) worth more than $300.

  • the average value of an outstanding bond payment held with the RTA is $454.99.

  • the oldest outstanding bond payment dates back to 1990.

Tenants can submit an online enquiry via the RTA website to check their records and apply to receive any bond money belonging to them.

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New laws around rent increase frequency for Queensland commence 1 July 2023

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New laws around rent increase frequency for Queensland commence 1 July 2023

1 July 2023

New laws around the rate at which rent may be increased for Queensland tenancies have come into place today. Under the new laws, rent may only be increased once every 12 months. The change applies to all new and existing tenancies.

The QLD Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) has also advised that they have updated the two Pocket Guides for Tenants and tenancy agreements for general tenancies, rooming accommodation, and movable dwellings. The new forms are available on the RTA website.

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Rent increase limits and minimum housing standards for Queensland tenancies

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Rent increase limits and minimum housing standards for Queensland tenancies

28 April 2023

Following significant reforms to residential tenancy laws in Queensland in October 2021 and October 2022, and with more changes yet to come, the Queensland Government has outlined what tenants, landlords, and agents can expect in upcoming changes to the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008.

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October 2022 Newsletter

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October 2022 Newsletter

7 October 2022

Newsletter snapshot:

  • Site-wide discount code!

  • Industry updates: Consumer Affairs Victoria to crack down on underquoting, Fake social media accounts used to scam eager renters in WA.

  • Legislative changes: New QLD rental laws commenced on 1 October 2022.

  • Disciplinary action: Disciplinary proceedings commence against a Victorian agent with a history of misconduct, Court outcome for a Victorian agency that threatened to interfere with tenants' legal access to their homes.

  • Learn about workplace stress support services.

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Residential Tenancies Authority Queensland: Remember, new rental laws commence on 1 October 2022

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Residential Tenancies Authority Queensland: Remember, new rental laws commence on 1 October 2022

27 September 2022

The Queensland Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) is encouraging tenants, property managers, and property owners to take time to understand the upcoming rental law reforms, including how the changes may impact their rights and obligations, and to make necessary preparations.

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Rediential Tenancies Authority Queensland: Further changes to residential tenancy laws from 1 October 2022

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Rediential Tenancies Authority Queensland: Further changes to residential tenancy laws from 1 October 2022

27 July 2022

Since October 2021, the Queensland Government has been making incremental changes to tenancy laws. The changes have been rolled out in phases, with the first phase being implemented on 20 October 2021 - the introduction of greater domestic and family violence protections for tenants and residents.

The next phase will be coming into effect on 1 October 2022. The changes will include updates to legislation concerning renting with pets, ending a tenancy, and repair orders.

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