Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024
Bill Story
The journey of this bill through Parliament, including debate and recorded votes.
As the introducing Minister, presented the bill as part of the Miles Labor government's Homes for Queenslanders plan to support renters through reforms including banning rent bidding, capping bonds, improving privacy protections, and introducing a portable bond scheme.
“One-third of Queensland households are renters, relying on the private market for safe, secure and affordable housing.”— 2024-03-21View Hansard
Introduced a bill to improve renters' rights by limiting rent increases to CPI, banning rent bidding, ending no-grounds evictions, allowing pets and minor modifications, and establishing minimum housing standards.
“With more and more people renting and renting long term, these are crucial reforms for a number of Queenslanders. Amidst increasing inequality, uncertainty and financial stress, it is more important than ever that governments take responsibility for basic rights.”— 2021-05-26View Hansard
Referred to Housing, Big Build and Manufacturing Committee
That that the amendment be agreed to
Vote on the Labor government's motion to put the question, effectively ending debate on the Greens' second reading amendment that sought to delay the bill until a rent freeze commitment.
The motion passed.
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Ayes (46)
Noes (31)
That the amendment be agreed to
Party VoteVote on the Greens' amendment moved by Mr Berkman to delay the Residential Tenancies bill until the government commits to legislating a rent freeze, a long-term cap on rent increases, and a guaranteed right to lease renewal. The amendment was resolved in the negative.
The motion was defeated.
What is a party vote?
This was a party vote. Each party's Whip declared how their members voted without a physical count, so individual votes were not recorded. Party votes are used when all members of a party are expected to vote the same way.
Vote on a motion
Party VoteProcedural vote on the government's gag motion to put the question, closing debate on the Greens' amendment.
The motion was rejected.
A formal vote on whether to accept a proposal — this could be the bill itself, an amendment, or another motion.
What is a party vote?
This was a party vote. Each party's Whip declared how their members voted without a physical count, so individual votes were not recorded. Party votes are used when all members of a party are expected to vote the same way.
That the motion, as amended, be agreed to
Final procedural vote after the Greens' amendment was defeated, allowing the cognate debate to proceed on Minister Scanlon's original motion that the bills be read a second time.
The motion passed.
▸Show individual votesHide individual votes
Ayes (46)
Noes (31)
▸1 procedural vote
Vote to grant leave
Party VoteDr MacMAHON (Greens) sought leave to move an amendment outside the long title of the bill, likely to introduce rent caps or additional tenant protections. Leave was denied under standing order 106(10).
Permission was refused.
A vote on whether to grant permission — for example, to introduce an amendment or vary normal procedure.
What is a party vote?
This was a party vote. Each party's Whip declared how their members voted without a physical count, so individual votes were not recorded. Party votes are used when all members of a party are expected to vote the same way.
▸30 members spoke16 support2 oppose12 mixed
Acknowledged the bill addresses some issues in the rental sector but argued it discourages property investment by restricting landlord information rights and not giving investors confidence to build and own rentals.
“This crisis is affecting every sector of our society. There is only one way you will fix it and that is by giving the private sector the confidence to build, buy and own rentals.”— 2024-05-23View Hansard
As shadow housing minister, criticised the bill's drafting errors and argued it contained no measures to encourage landlord confidence or investment in rental properties.
“Not one element of this bill would make it easier for a landlord to operate or to have confidence to invest in properties. This is something we need so that people can find a rental property.”— 2024-05-23View Hansard
As Minister for Housing, introduced both bills as part of the Miles government's Homes for Queenslanders plan, delivering reforms to strengthen renters' rights, stabilise rents, and protect manufactured home owners from unpredictable site rent increases.
“Only a Labor government will make it fairer, safer and easier for Queenslanders to find, get and keep a rental.”— 2024-05-22View Hansard
Supported the bill's reforms including the extension of notice-of-entry periods from 24 to 48 hours and the ban on rent bidding as important protections for working families.
“The ban in rent bidding was a commitment of this government. It is very important. We need to ensure that not only are there equal opportunities but also there are opportunities for empowerment for those who are renting.”— 2024-05-22View Hansard
As committee member, supported both bills as strengthening renters' rights, stabilising the rental market and easing cost-of-living pressures for Queenslanders.
“The Labor government will never turn its back on renters, but we know the LNP government will not hold the same line.”— 2024-05-23View Hansard
As shadow minister, announced the LNP will not oppose either bill but expressed significant reservations about investor confidence impacts and the 3.5% minimum site rent increase potentially disadvantaging pensioners on fixed incomes.
“The LNP will not oppose this bill. It is far from perfect and there are elements that we have significant reservations with.”— 2024-05-22View Hansard
Strongly supported the bill as delivering genuine reforms for renters, sharing her personal experience as a renter from age 18 to 30 and rejecting Greens claims that Labor MPs don't understand renters' struggles.
“We are real people with real stories who are fighting for people in our electorates. I commend the Labor government for these reforms.”— 2024-05-22View Hansard
Strongly supported both bills as providing protections for renters and manufactured home owners, drawing on her previous experience working with vulnerable residents in caravan parks.
“These protections for renters include: banning all forms of rental bidding; offering fee-free options to pay rent; creating opportunities for renters to modify and personalise their homes; protecting renters' privacy.”— 2024-05-23View Hansard
As committee chair, strongly supported the bills as long-awaited reforms he has fought for years, particularly highlighting the ban on market rent reviews and site rent caps as crucial consumer protections.
“I am so pleased to see these reforms come through because they have crucial consumer protections. As I said, these are protections that I have been fighting for years to see happen.”— 2024-05-22View Hansard
Did not oppose the bill but expressed significant concerns about unintended consequences on the rental market, criticising Labor's erratic approach to housing reform and the Greens' hypocrisy on property investment.
“Ultimately, a healthy and well-functioning housing market demands a diverse range of options, with renting being a critical component. For Queensland's housing and rental market to function effectively there must be a respectful coexistence between lessors and tenants.”— 2024-05-22View Hansard
As committee member, wholeheartedly supported both bills while acknowledging further reforms could be made around dispute resolution and committee structures for manufactured homes parks.
“I wholeheartedly support these two bills. It was a pleasure to be part of the committee, to hear from the residents and also to represent the two manufactured home parks in my local area.”— 2024-05-23View Hansard
As deputy committee chair, welcomed some changes but criticised the government for missing the opportunity to stimulate private investment and expressed concern about QCAT dispute resolution taking up to two years.
“Overall, we welcome some changes but the government has missed the opportunity to stimulate private investment.”— 2024-05-22View Hansard
Moved an amendment to delay the bill until the government commits to a rent freeze and right to lease renewal, arguing the reforms are tinkering at the edges while rents have risen three times faster than wages.
“Clearly, Labor cannot claim that it is not possible or that there is some barrier to putting rent caps in place. They cannot claim that they will not work. I will send the member for Greenslopes a copy of the report that he referred to so sparingly.”— 2024-05-22View Hansard
As Minister for Housing, defended the bills as making renting fairer for 30% of Queenslanders who rent, criticised LNP's previous record on tenant protections, and noted the reforms protect manufactured home owners from unfair rent increases.
“I am proud to be a part of a government that is making renting fairer for the 30 per cent of Queenslanders who rent in this state.”— 2024-05-23View Hansard
Spoke in support of both bills as practical ways to address pressures on renters and protect vulnerable manufactured home residents, noting the Monte Carlo Caravan Park residents in her electorate.
“I am very grateful to the minister for the immense amount of work that she and her department have done—as well as all of the stakeholders—in what is a very tricky situation.”— 2024-05-22View Hansard
Opposed the bill arguing it would drive mum-and-dad investors out of the rental market to make way for large multinational property investment trusts, criticising the government for demonising small landlords while ignoring insurance industry profit-taking.
“This bill is not about renters or renters' rights. It is about driving ordinary Queenslanders out of the rental market to make way for the giant property conglomerates and institutional investors who are itching to establish the same property monopoly here as they have done in countries all over the world.”— 2024-05-22View Hansard
Expressed concern that 56,000 investment properties have left the market due to government reforms, but supported the manufactured homes bill as a good outcome for residents while raising concerns about GST issues in the buyback scheme.
“Overall, I think this is probably a good outcome for the people who live in manufactured home parks and it has been a very long time coming. I support the bill.”— 2024-05-22View Hansard
Made a short contribution noting mixed views from stakeholders, with tenants groups supportive while property owner representatives including REIQ expressed reservations about the amendments.
“REIQ submitted that it does not believe there is a substantial basis to legislate a process for personalisation modifications.”— 2024-05-22View Hansard
Strongly supported both bills as assistant housing minister, highlighting the nine residential parks in her electorate and criticising the LNP for failing to engage with the Alliance of Manufactured Home Owners.
“At the end of the day, only Labor will take steps to ban market rent reviews permanently and protect vulnerable seniors who are in manufactured home parks.”— 2024-05-22View Hansard
Announced the Greens would support the bills but tabled amendments calling for a rent freeze and guaranteed right to lease renewal, arguing the reforms do not go far enough to address the 47% rent increase over three years.
“Are these bills stopping unlimited rent increases? No. Are these bills giving renters safety and security with a guaranteed right to a lease renewal? They are not.”— 2024-05-22View Hansard
Expressed deep disappointment in the manufactured homes bill and bafflement at the rental reforms, citing a constituent whose mother's estate was depleted by park owner obstruction during sale, arguing the bills are half-hearted.
“All in all, this long-awaited bill is a disappointment. It has missed an opportunity to genuinely modernise the laws governing manufactured homes in residential parks in a way that is consistent with fair and proper treatment of home owners.”— 2024-05-22View Hansard
Supported both bills, focusing on protections against unfair fees and RentTech platforms that shift costs to renters through extra payment fees.
“This bill will ensure that tenants have access to fair methods of payment and that they do not have to pay extra fees when they are paying their rent.”— 2024-05-22View Hansard
Did not oppose the bills but criticised the government's reckless and haphazard approach to housing policy, noting Gympie's 1.1% vacancy rate and the distressed residents struggling to find housing.
“When people are living in their cars, in tents or are couch surfing and when families are being split and forced to live apart, the last thing they need is haphazard and reckless legislation, spin, platitudes and trickery. I do not oppose the bill.”— 2024-05-22View Hansard
Supported both bills and argued against hard rent freezes citing research showing significant downsides, while suggesting further reforms around managing agent fee structures and documentation requirements.
“What the report does say is that there is very strong evidence for improving housing outcomes for renters by using second and third generation rent freeze policies, and these are the sorts of initiatives that are actually outlined in this bill.”— 2024-05-22View Hansard
As an Independent, commended both bills for introducing beneficial changes while noting mixed views from stakeholders and questioning whether Treasury could model how different policy levers affect the housing market.
“Overall, the bill introduces many beneficial changes to the regulation of manufactured home parks. Even if it does not contain everything that was sought, it is really good progress in this space.”— 2024-05-22View Hansard
Supported both bills based on personal experience as a renter facing Logan's 0.9% vacancy rate and now living in a manufactured home park with her mother, welcoming the rent cap provisions.
“The idea that a cap will be introduced is welcomed. I know it does not satisfy everyone that when CPI is low, people are going to be forced to endure the 3.5 per cent increase—I understand that—but considering the stories that I have heard of increases of 10 and 15 per cent annually, noting that many of the people who live there, like my parents, are on a pension.”— 2024-05-22View Hansard
Supported both bills as delivering real and practical assistance for renters and manufactured home owners, acknowledging local residents like Gary Rankin and Maree Tierney from River Terraces.
“While others talk, Labor is taking real action to deliver immediate and tangible relief, ensuring fairer rent practices and greater security for these home owners. This is what the new Miles Labor government is about: listening and delivering.”— 2024-05-22View Hansard
Did not oppose the bills but expressed concern that investor protections have tipped too far in favour of renters, citing his parents selling their Morayfield investment property after the last legislation, contributing to the 20,000 rental property reduction.
“As I said, I fear that the last tranche of legislation may have tipped that scale a little bit too far, and I am concerned we may be going even further here again tonight.”— 2024-05-22View Hansard
Supported both bills as highlighting the Miles government's commitment to support Queenslanders, particularly praising the ban on rent bidding which she has heard about constantly from constituents.
“The one I am fully supportive of is the banning of all forms of rent bidding. I have heard too many stories of rent bidding when I have been doorknocking or at mobile offices or through calls to my office.”— 2024-05-22View Hansard
Did not oppose the bills but described them as tinkering around the edges, expressing concern about the privacy provisions being reasonable while noting residents at Pine Ridge and Seachange Arundel still lack security about potential sales.
“To wrap-up, this is overall just tinkering around the edges. It is some trumped-up changes to give Queensland renters false hope that this decade-old government is taking the housing crisis that they are largely responsible for seriously.”— 2024-05-22View Hansard
Plain English Summary
Overview
This bill makes major reforms to Queensland's rental laws to strengthen tenant protections in a tight housing market. It bans rent bidding, applies the 12-month rent increase limit to properties rather than individual tenancies, caps break-lease fees, requires evidence for bond claims, and protects tenant privacy. The bill also requires property agents to complete mandatory annual training and allows local government employees to reduce their superannuation contributions.
Who it affects
Renters gain significant new protections around rent increases, bonds, privacy and lease-breaking costs. Landlords and property managers face new obligations including evidence requirements for bond claims and offering fee-free rent payment options. Property agents must complete annual professional development.
Rent stabilisation and bidding bans
The bill bans all forms of rent bidding—landlords cannot solicit, invite or accept offers above the advertised rent. The 12-month limit on rent increases now applies to the property, not the tenancy, preventing landlords from increasing rent by getting new tenants.
- All rent bidding banned with 50 penalty unit fines
- 12-month rent increase limit applies to property, not tenancy
- Tenancy agreements must state the date of the last rent increase
- Tenants can request evidence of when rent was last increased
Tenant privacy and rental applications
The bill limits what information landlords can collect from applicants by prescribing a standard application form. Applicants must be given a choice of how to submit their application (not forced to use third-party platforms). Entry notice periods increase from 24 to 48 hours.
- Prescribed rental application form limits information that can be requested
- Applicants must be offered at least two ways to submit applications (one not via third-party platforms)
- Identity documents can be sighted rather than copied
- Personal information must be securely stored and destroyed within 3 months (unsuccessful applicants) or 3 years (after tenancy ends)
- Entry notice increased from 24 to 48 hours for most entry types
Bond reforms
Landlords must provide evidence to support any bond claims. The four-week bond cap now applies to all properties regardless of weekly rent. A portable bond scheme will allow tenants to transfer bonds between properties.
- Landlords must provide evidence supporting bond claims within 14 days
- Bond capped at four weeks rent for all properties (no more unlimited bonds for high-rent properties)
- Portable bond scheme to be developed allowing bond transfers between properties
- Renters using commercial bond products can receive refunds directly
Fairer fees and reletting costs
Break-lease costs are capped based on how much of the lease has been completed, making it easier for tenants to move to more affordable housing. Landlords must offer at least one fee-free way to pay rent.
- Break-lease costs capped: 4 weeks rent if less than 25% of lease expired, down to 1 week if more than 75% expired
- At least one fee-free rent payment method must be offered
- Landlords must disclose any financial benefits they receive from particular payment methods
- Utility bills must be passed on within 4 weeks or tenants not required to pay
Property modifications and fixtures
Tenants can formally request to make changes to properties for safety, security or accessibility. Landlords must respond within 28 days and cannot unreasonably refuse. Tenants can appeal to QCAT if refused.
- Formal process for requesting modifications with approved form
- Landlords must respond within 28 days
- Landlords cannot unreasonably refuse modification requests
- Tenants can appeal to QCAT if unreasonably refused
Mandatory CPD for property agents
Real estate agents and property managers must complete continuing professional development (CPD) each year. Failure to complete CPD will affect licence renewal. The scheme commences 12 months after the Act passes.
- Annual CPD requirements for all property agents (to be set by chief executive)
- CPD compliance required for licence renewal or restoration
- Records of completed CPD must be kept for 5 years
- Exemption for first year of holding a licence
Local government superannuation flexibility
Permanent local government employees (except defined benefit members) can now choose their superannuation contribution rate, including reducing it to zero during cost-of-living pressures.
- Mandatory employee super contributions removed (except for defined benefit members)
- Employees can nominate any contribution rate including 0%
- LGIAsuper renamed to Brighter Super