Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024
Plain English Summary
Overview
This bill reforms Queensland's rental laws to strengthen protections for renters, stabilise rents and ease cost-of-living pressures. It also introduces mandatory continuing professional development for property agents, removes compulsory superannuation contributions for local government employees, and fixes technical issues with community titles scheme terminations.
Who it affects
Renters gain significant new protections including banned rent bidding, property-based rent increase limits, capped bonds and reletting costs, and stronger privacy safeguards. Property owners and managers face new obligations around rent increases, bond claims, application forms and professional development.
Rental law reform
Strengthens renter protections across rent pricing, bonds, privacy, fees, property modifications and entry. Bans rent bidding, ties the 12-month rent increase limit to the property, and creates a framework for a portable bond scheme.
- All forms of rent bidding banned -- landlords cannot solicit, invite or accept rent above the advertised amount (50 penalty units)
- 12-month rent increase limit now applies to the property, not just the tenancy, preventing rent hikes between tenants
- Bonds capped at four weeks rent for all agreements, and landlords must provide evidence to support bond claims
- Head of power for a portable bond scheme allowing renters to transfer bonds between properties
- Landlords must offer at least one fee-free way to pay rent and declare any financial benefits from payment methods
- Reletting costs for breaking a lease capped on a sliding scale from four weeks rent (less than 25% expired) to one week (75%+ expired)
- Entry notice extended from 24 to 48 hours, with entries limited to twice per week after a notice to leave
- Standard rental application form prescribed, limiting personal information that can be collected
- Personal information must be securely stored and destroyed within 3 months (unsuccessful applicants) or 3 years (after tenancy ends)
- Renters can request property modifications for safety, security or accessibility, with landlords given 28 days to respond
Professional development for property agents
Introduces mandatory continuing professional development for real estate agents, salespersons, auctioneers and resident letting agents. Agents must complete two CPD sessions per year, and non-compliance affects licence renewal.
- Property agents must complete two CPD sessions per year -- one from the national training package and one approved by the chief executive
- CPD requirements commence 12 months after assent to allow industry preparation
- Non-compliance with CPD affects ability to renew or restore a licence or registration certificate
- Agents must keep CPD records for five years (10 penalty units for non-compliance)
Local government superannuation
Removes mandatory personal superannuation contributions for permanent local government employees who are not defined benefit members, and renames the fund from LGIAsuper to Brighter Super.
- Permanent local government employees can now choose their own superannuation contribution rate, including 0%
- All references to LGIAsuper changed to Brighter Super across relevant legislation
- Existing financial hardship exemptions transitioned to the new flexible contribution framework
Community titles scheme termination
Fixes technical issues with ending residential tenancies when a body corporate scheme is terminated for economic reasons, ensuring tenants receive adequate notice and clearer termination procedures.
- Lessees must receive at least two months written notice before settlement when a community titles scheme is being terminated
- Leases terminate on the day of settlement rather than when vacant possession is given
- District Court given power to order lease termination and require occupiers to vacate
Bill Story
The journey of this bill through Parliament, including debate and recorded votes.
▸Introduced21 Mar 2024View 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
▸Committee21 Mar 2024View 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.
▸Show individual votesHide individual votes
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.
▸21 members spoke12 support9 mixed
Acknowledged the rental crisis and some issues addressed by the bill but argued it does not encourage investment in rental properties. Emphasised that the only way to fix the crisis is by giving the private sector confidence to build, buy and own rentals.
“This bill addresses some of the issues we have in the state, but the problem is that you must give investors a reason to invest.”— 2024-05-23View Hansard
As Minister for Housing, moved the second reading and defended both bills as delivering on the Homes for Queenslanders plan to strengthen renters' rights, stabilise rents, and improve consumer protections for manufactured home owners.
“Through these bills, the Miles government is protecting vulnerable consumers and acting to slow the rapid increase of rents in the private rental market and site rent increases in residential parks.”— 2024-05-22View Hansard
As committee member, supported both bills. Argued the legislation strengthens renters' rights, stabilises the rental market and eases cost-of-living pressures, and criticised the LNP for previously tearing up the code of conduct for the rental sector.
“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 housing minister, announced the LNP would not oppose the bills but criticised them as long-overdue reforms brought 5.5 months before an election, with significant reservations about the impact on investor confidence and housing supply.
“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
Supported both bills as providing significant protections for renters and manufactured home residents, drawing on her experience with residents of manufactured home parks in her electorate.
“When passed, both bills will have a significant impact on baysiders and, indeed, all Queenslanders by providing further protections for the many renters and owners of manufactured homes.”— 2024-05-23View Hansard
As committee chair, strongly supported both bills, noting years of work on manufactured homes reform since 2017 and defending the government's record on housing policy.
“I would point out that only Labor works to improve life for home owners and renters.”— 2024-05-22View Hansard
Wholeheartedly supported both bills as a committee member, noting they addressed concerns raised by manufactured home park residents in his electorate. Supported banning rent bidding and the portable bond scheme.
“I wholeheartedly support these two bills.”— 2024-05-23View Hansard
As deputy committee chair, acknowledged the need for consumer protection but emphasised the need for a balanced approach and expressed concern that the government has missed the mark in considering impacts on private investment and housing supply.
“At the time of a housing crisis, there needs to be consideration to see housing affordability and availability on the agenda.”— 2024-05-22View Hansard
As minister, defended the bills in reply. Accused the LNP of planning to cut renter protections and attacked the opposition for claiming the reforms 'tipped the scales too far for renters'. Noted investor finance had increased 141 per cent since March 2020.
“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 mainly to the residential tenancies component, highlighting practical reforms like extending notice-of-entry from 24 to 48 hours and the importance of protecting renters in a market where the balance of power favours landlords.
“These seem like small things, but when you are the renter and the balance of power is not in your favour, it can cause stress and anxiety.”— 2024-05-22View Hansard
Did not oppose the bills but warned that changes continue to make things worse for investors, noting 56,000 investment properties have left the market, and expressed concern about restrictions on landlords' ability to gather information about tenants.
“Every time this government does something it makes it slightly worse for investors, and that is the problem we face with both of these bills.”— 2024-05-22View Hansard
Strongly supported both bills, highlighting her electorate's nine residential home parks and engaging with hundreds of home owners who warmly welcomed the changes to address unpredictable site rent increases.
“Both of these bills enact really important aspects of our groundbreaking Homes for Queenslanders plan around supporting renters and supporting people with less bargaining power in the housing market.”— 2024-05-22View Hansard
Expressed deep disappointment with the manufactured homes bill and uncertainty about the residential tenancies bill, sharing a constituent story about a corporate park owner exploiting a deceased resident's estate to illustrate the need for reform while questioning the government's approach.
“I rise to speak to the cognate debate with a feeling of deep disappointment in the case of the Manufactured Homes (Residential Parks) Amendment Bill 2024 and a sense of I am not quite sure what in relation to the latest government imposed changes for private rental investors.”— 2024-05-22View Hansard
Spoke in support of both bills, particularly provisions protecting renters from unfair fees charged by RentTech platforms and ensuring tenants have at least one fee-free way to pay rent.
“I rise to speak in support of both of these bills on behalf of renters in my community and across Queensland.”— 2024-05-22View Hansard
Did not oppose the bills but criticised the government's chaotic and reckless approach to housing policy, arguing that the bills highlight endemic housing problems and that the government has missed opportunities to address key issues.
“I do not oppose the bill.”— 2024-05-22View Hansard
Supported both bills, commending the manufactured homes bill and focusing on the residential tenancies reforms as part of the Homes for Queenslanders plan to address challenges across the housing sector.
“I support these bills.”— 2024-05-22View Hansard
Supported the bill, drawing on personal experience as a renter in Logan where the vacancy rate is 0.9 per cent, and highlighted concerns about excessive personal information required for rental applications going to multiple third parties.
“It took three months and multiple applications for me to be able to find a rental and, even then, it was not necessarily what I wanted it to be.”— 2024-05-22View Hansard
Stated the LNP supports renters and does not oppose the bills but expressed concern the balance may have tipped too far in favour of renters, sharing personal stories about family members struggling as both landlords and renters.
“It is why the LNP does not oppose the bill. Changes to modernise and update these laws are necessary.”— 2024-05-22View Hansard
Did not oppose the bill but questioned whether the government exaggerated the number of disputes to justify reforms, and expressed serious concerns about impacts on investor confidence that could ultimately harm tenants.
“We will not oppose the changes being proposed, but there are some issues we are very concerned about, particularly in the residential tenancies act, with regard to impacts on investor confidence.”— 2024-05-22View Hansard
Supported both bills as reflecting the Miles government's commitment to supporting Queenslanders through cost-of-living pressures and ensuring housing security for families.
“When you hear stories about people choosing to put food on the table over a roof over their heads, you know something is wrong.”— 2024-05-22View Hansard
Concentrated on the residential tenancies bill, noting the mixed views between tenants' advocacy groups and property owner representatives, and raising concerns about provisions for property modifications and personalisation requests.
“Tenants advocacy and other special interest groups were largely supportive of the intent and measures proposed by the bill, whereas groups representing property owners or their interests, including the REIQ and the Property Council of Australia, expressed reservations about several of the amendments.”— 2024-05-22View Hansard