6 Rental Laws In Brisbane Every Tenant Should Know Before Moving

6 Rental Laws In Brisbane Every Tenant Should Know Before Moving

Jan 15, 2021 Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland, located in the heart of the East Coast of Australia. This vibrant and friendly city is home to national parks, stunning coastlines, heritage buildings, top-rated schools, high-rise residential apartments and much more. Brisbane is best known for its rapidly growing economy, unlimited employment opportunities, well-establish commercial market, etc. That’s why people across the country prefer moving to this beautiful place, which has everything- from best schools to a ton of housing options. It is an ideal place to live, raise a family, and study. Instead of buying a new house, most people live in rented properties. It gives you a great flexibility as you can choose where you want to live in the cosmopolitan city without paying a huge monthly repayment. If you are moving to Brisbane and looking for a rental property, then you should know everything about the residential tenancy laws in Queensland. It is good to prepare the entire relocation process in advance with the assistance of the best removalists in Brisbane so that you can research more about the rental laws, tenant’s roles and other important details.

Residential Tenancy Laws in Queensland

According to some latest reports, more than a third of Queensland population live in rental properties. This means it is important to know everything about the residential renting laws before signing the lease agreement. These laws are designed by the state government to support both landlords and tenants throughout their lease. With precise information, you can make the most out of your decision when it comes to living in the rented accommodation. The Queensland government recently introduced new amendments to the existing tenancy laws to protect the rights of both parties. The main objective is to promote safety, security and fair deal in the community. The top three areas of reforms are protection against, domestic violence, safety and security and protection rights if renting with pets. The new rental laws are designed to reduce rental disputes or conflicts between property managers/landlords and tenants. In case you are looking for a rental property in Brisbane, then you should know the 6 most important rental laws in Queensland.

6 Rental Laws In Brisbane You Should Know Before Moving

Doing a bit of research is always good as a tenant if you want to live in a rented apartment or house in Brisbane, Queensland. Have a look at the following rental laws:

1. Relief From Excessive Rent Increases

According to the new rental laws, there is a restriction on excessive rent increases. Since you are on a fixed-term tenancy/lease agreement for a specific period of time, your rent cannot be increase unless it is mentioned in the tenancy agreement.  However, once every six months, your landlord can increase the rent amount. If there is an excessive increase, you can lodge a report via Queensland’s civil and administrative tribunal. After lodging a complaint, they will issue an order to stop the landlords from increasing the rent. Tips to Know ‘Excessive’ Increase in Rents The following factors are considered by Tribunal while determining whether the rent is excessively increased or not. • The market rents’ range charged for the same size of properties in that particular area • Property’s current condition • Repairs done by landlords and the amount they spent. • The duration of the previous increase • The proposed increased as compared to the new rent This particular law will protect you from massive rent increases during the tenancy. So, you must know everything about it before signing the lease agreement after moving to Brisbane.

2. Meeting 7 Minimum Safety Standards

Property managers or landlords in Brisbane, Queensland must ensure that their rented property/apartment meets 7 minimum standards for the safety and security of tenants. Make sure you know about this rental law in detail. Since every tenant has the right to live in a safe, secure and well-established property, make sure you inspect everything before getting into the lease agreement.  From repairs and maintenance to fire alarm installations, energy-efficient options to the property’s architectural structure, you have to check all the key aspects and take it as your responsibility. If you encounter that the rental property doesn’t comply with minimum safety standards, then you should discuss all your concerns with the landlord. To resolve this issue informally, you can contact the RTA for more information on your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.

3. Fee-Free Rent Payments

When you look into the rent collection system by the third-party, it has been found a lack of regulation that made tenants feel unprotected. This allowed tenants to be charged fees while paying their rent. However, in Queensland, tenants are entitled to at least one fee-free rent payment. This is such a big relief if you are moving to Brisbane and want to live in a rented property. Make sure you research other key aspects of the area you are planning to relocate. If you don’t have time for packing household belongings, you can hire the best removals company in Brisbane which specialises in providing a high-quality packing service at the best price.

4. Tenants Can Make Minor Repairs and Modifications

According to the rental laws, tenants have the right to make minor repairs and modifications for safety, health and security reasons without landlord’s consent. Make sure these modifications must be performed by a trained tradesperson whenever required and any damage incurred must be fixed. In simple words, you are entitled to make urgent or emergency repairs that are specified as posing a danger, such as electrical fault, blocked or toilet etc.  If you are planning to modify the structure of the property or want to hang pictures or cable TV connections, then take consent from your landlord. You can’t do such things without his/her permission.

5. Pet Are Allowed with Tenants

The new rental laws in Brisbane made it easy for tenants or renters to keep pets in a rented property. Now, landlords can’t unreasonably refuse your request to keep a pet at home. But, they can give guidelines or ask you to meet special conditions such as carpet cleaning at the end of the tenancy or paying pet bond or pest control services. Also, you are responsible for the damage caused by your pet during the tenancy. So, if you are moving along with your four-legged member, then you can search for the leased apartments or home in Brisbane.

6. Tenancy Database Blacklisting

The National Tenancy Database includes the list of problem renters or tenants that property managers can review while conducting the history checks. As per the recent research, more than 50 per cent of tenants are worried because they don’t want to list under ‘blacklisted tenants’. This will make it tougher for them to find a suitable place to rent in the future. However, there are two conditions in which you can be listed on a tenancy database, and will be listed once your lease has ended: • Outstanding rent by an amount in excess of your bond • You have breached your lease agreement As a tenant, you need to understand your duties, roles and responsibility so that you can move out of your rented property without breaching any law.

Conclusion

Moving to new city is always a stressful and overwhelming process. It is good to take assistance from reliable Brisbane Removalists who can take care of your much-loved possessions and help you focus on the other important aspects. You can research everything about the rental laws in Brisbane so that you can find the ideal place to live in this beautiful city.