Join Our Advocacy Campaign to Stop Stage 2 Rental Reforms in Queensland with REIQ

On April 18, 2023, the Queensland Government released an Options Paper outlining proposed Stage 2 rental law reforms. These reforms, if implemented, will bring amendments to the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key areas the proposed reforms focus on:

Limiting property owner’s right to refuse modifications

The reforms aim to restrict a property owner’s ability to decline a tenant’s request for modifications to the property.

Restricting Mackay property owner’s right of entry

The proposed changes would place limitations on when and under what circumstances a property owner can enter the rental property.

Limiting information requests during the tenancy application assessment

The reforms seek to narrow down the information a property owner can request when evaluating a tenancy application.

Restricting bond amounts

The proposed reforms aim to impose limits on the amount of bond a property owner can charge.

Capping break lease fees

The rental reforms propose regulating the amount property owners can charge as break lease fees.

The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) is urging property managers and investors in Queensland to actively participate in its campaign, appealing to the State Government for a reassessment of the proposed stage 2 rental law reforms.

According to REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella, the organisation is preparing its Submission to the Queensland Government’s Options Paper on stage two rental reforms. Mercorella emphasised the importance of representing the voices of property managers and investors in this process.

The REIQ expresses concern about Queensland’s ongoing rental law reforms, which it believes are gradually diminishing property investor rights and confidence while interfering with contractual relations. Mercorella explains that Queensland’s existing rental crisis will only worsen if investors decide to sell or withdraw their properties from the rental market.

The REIQ invites property investors to join their campaign to address these concerns, which opposes most of the proposed stage two rental law reforms. By uniting as many voices as possible, the REIQ aims to significantly impact the government and advocate for more equitable and balanced law reforms that benefit both tenants and property investors in Queensland.

As a call to action, the REIQ encourages property investors to utilise their template letter as a starting point to draft correspondence to their local MP. Additionally, they are invited to participate in a survey to share their personal experiences with the REIQ, accessible through their website.

At the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ), we are deeply concerned about the continuous erosion of property investor rights, as well as the interference with contractual relations brought about by these rental law reforms. We firmly believe that such changes may undermine the confidence of property investors and exacerbate the existing rental crisis in Queensland.

To make a difference, we need your participation. We urge property managers and property investors in Queensland to add their voices to the REIQ campaign. By joining forces, we can collectively advocate for fair and balanced law reforms that benefit both tenants and property investors.

To ensure that property managers and property owners have their voices heard, the REIQ extends an invitation to property managers to:

Submit your concerns: Take a few moments to complete the survey accessible on the REIQ website. This is an opportunity to share your lived experiences and contribute to the valuable feedback we will present in our submission to the Queensland Government.

Write to your local MP: Use our template letter available on the REIQ website as a starting point to draft a personalised message expressing your concerns. Communicating directly with your local MP is an effective way to have your voice heard.

Your involvement is crucial in safeguarding rental rights in Queensland. Together, we can make a difference by challenging the proposed Stage 2 rental law reforms. By joining the REIQ campaign, you can help us advocate for fairer and more balanced legislation that will benefit both property investors and tenants. Let your voice be heard, take action, and protect the future of the rental market in Queensland.

Take part in the REIQ’s rental reform campaign today by visiting the Queensland Department of Communities, Housing, and Digital Economy’s website and make a difference: https://yoursay.chde.qld.gov.au/stage-2-rental-law-reform

Together, we can shape a better future for rental rights in Queensland!