Queensland’s Prohibition of ‘Rent Bidding’ | The Epoch Times
The government claims to have implemented a more equitable system for renters, but a Queensland real estate body has raised concerns about several disappointing aspects of the new laws.
The Queensland Labor government asserts that new rental reforms will enhance tenants’ rights, but a prominent real estate group highlights issues with the ban.
Labor Minister for Housing Meaghan Scanlon discussed the new Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill (the RTRAOLA Bill) on May 24, following approval in Parliament the day before.
Among the reforms are the banning of all forms of rent bidding, a requirement for a minimum 48-hour notice for entry to tenants, mandatory fee-free rent payment methods, and the necessity for bond claims to be supported by evidence.
In a statement, Ms. Scanlon emphasized that the reforms aimed to create a fairer system for the significant portion of Queenslanders who rent their homes.
Further changes in the reforms include limitations on re-letting costs based on remaining time on a fixed-term lease and the restriction of only one rent increase per year.
Real Estate Institute of Queensland CEO Antonia Mercorella lauded the introduction of mandatory continuing professional development for all real estate personnel as a significant achievement in the reforms.
While the REIQ CEO acknowledged some positive aspects of the new laws, she expressed concerns about administrative flaws and potential issues with rental bond limits and reletting fees.
Tenancy Queensland (YQ) acknowledged some victories for renters in the reforms but insisted that more significant measures should be taken to protect tenants, such as limiting rent increases and outlawing arbitrary evictions.
