\n\nThe Minister for Housing and Public Works, Mick de Brenni has announced Stage 1 of proposed rental reforms that would significantly damage Queensland\u2019s rental market and create the most onerous rental laws in the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The REIQ strongly opposes the proposed reforms which are a slap in the face to every day \u2018mum and dad\u2019 property owners who provide the majority of housing to Queensland\u2019s renters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If enacted, the law change would erode fundamental landlord rights and deter property investment across the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reforms\u2019 ripple effect would see renters struggling to find suitable housing under already tight conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a further blow to renters, by de Brenni\u2019s own admission the reform would likely increase weekly rent from an average of $360 per week to $378, which is a massive 5 per cent rise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The most controversial and damaging reform is the proposed abolishment of a landlord\u2019s right to not renew a tenancy agreement at the end of its agreed term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In practice, this will allow a tenant to remain in a tenancy indefinitely and for as long as they want unless the landlord can establish a reason prescribed by law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This reform has been cleverly disguised by the Palaszczuk Government as the abolishment of \u2018without grounds terminations or evictions\u2019 – that description is inaccurate and misleading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Under current rental laws, landlords cannot end a fixed term tenancy agreement before it ends unless a breach has occurred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other proposed reforms include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 the loss of a landlord\u2019s right to refuse pets;<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 the introduction of a tenant right to make modifications to a rental property without the landlord\u2019s consent; and<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 the introduction of minimum housing standards requiring the rental property and its inclusions to meet prescribed standards and to be in a certain state of repair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The REIQ is disappointed that landlords have been totally overlooked in this rental law review.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Queensland has one of the highest proportions of renters in Australia with more than 34 per cent of Queensland households in the rental market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The vast majority of rental housing is provided by everyday Queenslanders, and many of those are already making a loss on their investments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Given the significance of these reforms, we are disappointed that the Minister is offering a mere six week consultation process after waiting a year to announce these reforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On its face, the Government may think it is protecting tenants but in reality, we are likely to see housing supply reduce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There will be no winners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a community, it’s time for us to unite and fight against these damaging and disingenuous reforms, which will negatively impact both landlords and renters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The REIQ will be actively campaigning against the reforms via a range of avenues, including social media and other shareable channels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For success, the campaign will rely on the active support of real estate professionals and the community at large.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stay tuned!<\/p>\n\n\n\n