April 17, 2020
The State Government needs to rethink proposed rental reform laws which risk destroying Queensland’s property industry, the LNP said on Friday.
The reforms, which are set to be legislated in Parliament next week, have attracted strong, negative feedback from Queensland’s property industry since they were announced.
The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) launched a campaign against the proposed State Government reforms on Thursday, prompting landlords and real estate agents to contact their local MPs.
LNP Leader Deb Frecklington said it was clear Labor’s proposed laws needed to be scrapped and the whole process re-started.
“We are all in this together and everybody agrees that tenants need protection through this COVID-19 crisis,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“But Queensland’s proposed rental laws are the most draconian and unfair in the country.”
Mrs Frecklington warned that unless changes were made, the proposed laws would ruin Queensland’s property industry, scare off investors and force “mum and dad” property investors to carry the financial pain.
“It’s great to hear that more consultation will be undertaken, but talk is cheap – Queenslanders want to see action,” Mrs Frecklington said.
LNP Shadow Minister for Public Works and Housing Michael Hart said Labor’s proposed laws would drive up rents in the long-term.
“We are the only State that offers rental waivers, which will see mum and dad property owners lose out,” he said.
Mr Hart said the proposed laws would undermine the property rights of Queenslanders.
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(Photo: Twitter)
Housing and Public Works Minister Mick de Brenni said the underlying purpose of a rent moratorium was to sustain tenancies during the COVID-19 pandemic period.
He said guidelines would be worked through with stakeholders representing tenants, property managers and owners to resolve any concerns before Parliament considered the package.
“Clarifications to the framework will be addressed through stakeholder consultation on guidelines,” he said.
“There is also the strong expectation that banks continue to offer assistance to property owners.”
Mr de Brenni said no framework introduced in Queensland advocated for a permanent reduction in rent.
“It is plain wrong to say that our framework allows tenants to unilaterally demand a rent reduction, or leave the property without first proving they have lost their job and are in significant hardship,” he said.
“What is true, is that tenants affected by income loss due to coronavirus can apply for Commonwealth income support and ask to negotiate a temporary and fair rent reduction, which will be supported by an independent conciliation process to ensure that no party gets ripped off.
“Coronavirus-affected tenants must be able to provide proof, but detailed personal information needs only to be provided to the Residential Tenancies Authority.
“This system is designed to protect property owners by ensuring there is complete clarity around the terms and duration of any temporary arrangements.
“Additionally, an increased set of grounds upon which a property owner can take back their property have been proposed, which include the need to move in, the need to sell the property, damage to the property or anti-social behaviour that breaches the rental agreement.”
