At MPM we like to be ahead of the curve, which is why we would like to share with you some information about upcoming legislation changes.

The first change to be introduced is to provide options for people experiencing domestic and family violence to end a tenancy, which commenced on 20 October 2021.

The remaining reforms will be implemented in phases over a three-year period to ensure the sector has sufficient time to prepare for, better understand and adopt the changes.

Here’s a brief summary of implementation times:

Domestic and family violence protections – Commenced 20 October 2021

These changes confirm that tenants/residents vacating a rental premises on grounds of experiencing domestic and family violence:

• can vacate immediately but must provide 7 days notice and pay rent until the end of the 7 day notice period
• must complete a Notice ending tenancy/residency interest (domestic and family violence) (Form 20, R20) and provide relevant evidence (such as a Domestic and family violence report)
• are not responsible for costs relating to ending of a tenancy/rooming accommodation agreement or interest, goods left behind in the rental premises or reletting costs
• are not required to repair or compensate the property manager or owner for damage to the premises or inclusions caused by an act of domestic and family violence experienced by a tenant/resident
• are still responsible for costs associated with breaching terms of an agreement which are not related to the domestic and family violence (for example, rent arrears or damage to the property by a pet)
• can request their bond contribution be refunded by completing a Bond refund for persons experiencing domestic and family violence (Form 4a). Property owners/managers can also request a rental bond refund for a tenant/resident’s bond contribution where a tenant/resident has vacated due to domestic and family violence by completing this form
• any remaining tenants/residents can be asked by the property owner/manager to top up the rental bond within one month by issuing remaining tenants/residents with a Continuing interest notice strictly between 7-14 days only after a vacating tenant/resident’s interest in the agreement ends
• can change the locks to the property without requiring the property owner/manager’s consent to ensure their safety but must provide copies of keys or access codes to the rental property owner/manager as soon as practicable.

It is critical that property owners/managers maintain the privacy of a tenant/resident who is experiencing domestic and family violence to ensure their safety.

Penalties apply if the legislative requirements are not followed.

Framework for all parties to negotiate renting with pets – commencement date yet to be set

Once implemented, these changes will support parties to reach agreement on renting with pets.

Prescribed reasonable grounds for refusing a request for approval to keep pets will be introduced (such as keeping the pet would breach laws or by-laws).

Strict timeframes will also apply for property owners/managers to respond to any requests for a pet or the request will be considered approved.

Changes to approved reasons to end a tenancy – commencement date yet to be set

Once implemented, these changes will remove the option to end a tenancy without grounds and instead provide tenants and property owners/managers with a wider range of specific grounds on which to end a tenancy with appropriate notice with prescribed notice periods.

New grounds (reasons) for owners/managers to end tenancies will include the end of a fixed-term agreement, to undertake significant repair or renovations, change of use or sale or preparation for sale of the rental property requires vacant possession.

New grounds for tenants to end tenancies will include the property is not in good repair or does not comply with minimum housing standards.

Minimum housing standards – Due to commence 2023–24

Minimum housing standards will apply for new tenancy agreements from 1 September 2023, and apply for all tenancies from 1 September 2024.

By prescribing minimum housing standards, clarifying repair and maintenance obligations and introducing compliance mechanisms to strengthen the ability to enforce these standards, the Queensland Government aims to ensure all Queensland rental properties are safe, secure and functional.