April 22, 2020
State Parliament is expected to pass amendments to laws surrounding property rentals at a special sitting on Wednesday.
The amendments will help implement a moratorium on evictions during the COVID-19 crisis announced by the National Cabinet.
Housing Minister Mick de Brenni said the government had taken into account concerns from Queensland property owners and tenants, and was bolstering its support to make sure everyone could get through this difficult time.
“Queensland has published a framework on the government’s new www.covid19.qld.gov.au website, setting out the process for interaction pending the development of an implementation guideline which has been fleshed out with stakeholders this week,” he said.
“Working with industry stakeholders, a Residential Tenancies Practice Guide COVID-19 for property owners and tenants has been developed.
“The guide will support owners on a range of COVID-19 issues along with free, impartial and expert conciliation from the Residential Tenancies Authority if parties need additional support to reach agreement.”
Mr de Brenni said tenants and property owners in significant financial distress would also be supported through a $20 million rental grant package, announced with the framework over a week ago.
He also said the Residential Tenancies Authority, Real Estate Institute of Queensland, QShelter, Tenants Queensland and QCOSS will form a new COVID-19 Housing Security Sub-Committee to oversee the implementation of the changes.
The new guidelines include:
- Threshold criteria to qualify for the application of the COVID-19 rental response that includes a 25 per cent reduction in income, or where rent exceeds 30 per cent of the tenant’s income
- Tenants can be asked to provide the same proof of finances to property managers just as they would when starting a tenancy
- Clear guidance on access for the sale of the property, virtual rental inspections and access for essential repairs and maintenance
- A 75 per cent income loss threshold before a tenant can end a tenancy with a 7-day cap on break lease fees
- Limiting any extension on the term of a tenancy agreement during the COVID-19 period to September 30, 2020 unless agreed otherwise by the owner and tenant, or there is an appropriate ground to end the tenancy
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- External link: The Residential Rental Hub
- Related article: Rental Reforms ‘Need A Rethink’
