The reforms aim to provide safety and fairness for tenants and landlords, which is a balancing act that has many vocal advocates shouting from both sides of the fence.
An initial round of consultation attracted 135,000 responses and now the Queensland Government is inviting people to have their say on five areas of potential reform, including:
- Renting with pets
- Tenant options to make minor modifications
- Support in domestic and family violence situations
- Ending tenancies fairly
- Minimum standards of rental housing quality
The reforms aim to address the shifting housing market, with one in every three Queensland households now renting. While in the inner city this can be as high as three in every five households.
The REIQ has been a vocal opponent of the changes, particularly in relation to the proposed abolishment of the right to not renew a tenancy at the end of the agreed term.
While tenant advocates point to some overseas markets where minimum rental terms of 10 years may be commonplace, the REIQ is concerned the changes will deter investors and reduce the rental market thereby increasing rent.
It’s a tricky one, and the right answer will depend entirely on your perspective. So make sure you have your say by 28 December 2019: https://www.yoursayhpw.engagementhq.com/give-feedback-renting-in-qld
Got a rental challenge of your own? Check our listings for rent or talk to us about landlording.