By Lucy Waldron
On 18 June, the Residential Tenancy Authority (RTA) held a meeting in Warwick to inform local real estate agents and property managers about the recent changes to rental laws.
The new regulations, released on 6 June, are intended to benefit tenants but have raised concerns among Warwick’s real estate companies.
Helen Harm of Helen Harm Real Estate expressed her dissatisfaction with the new laws, arguing they do not align with the principles of a free country.
“With rent now being attached to the property, if any upgrades are done, the rent can’t be increased within the 12-month period, leaving the old rent below standards for the upgraded property,“ Ms Harm said.
“We are not encouraging people to upgrade properties by doing this.“
The RTA has emphasised that Queensland rental properties must meet minimum housing standards, ensuring safety, security, and functionality.
The reforms include limits on rent increase frequency, a ban on rent bidding, and new requirements for bond lodgement and providing the date of the last rent increase on tenancy agreements.
Ms Harm believes these tighter laws will exacerbate the region’s rental crisis.
“We have a shortage in the housing market because people are tired of being told what to do with their own property,“ she said.
“Owners are selling their investment properties and investing in the share market. It’s all getting too hard, and people aren’t building for rentals like they used to.“
Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) CEO Antonia Mercorella acknowledged that some of the REIQ’s significant concerns were addressed by last-minute amendments to the legislation.
These amendments include a time limit for water consumption charges, maintaining upfront rent payment options, and extending the storage timeframe for the renter’s personal information from three to seven years.
“Another key win was regarding property modifications in apartment and unit complexes, to make sure that any structural changes or fixtures requested by tenants are subject to body corporate approval,” she said.
However, Ms Mercorella criticised the Government and Opposition for not consulting more with stakeholders to ensure the legislation is practical and fair.
The second part of the legislative changes will commence at a later date upon proclamation.
