Queensland Government Considers New Rental Increase Limits

Joan Pease MP • 2023-07-20

The Queensland Government is taking proactive steps to address concerns raised about some landlords using tactics to increase rents and potentially displacing tenants.

Key Points:

The Queensland Government is considering tying rental increase limits to properties, not individual tenancies, to address concerns of landlords increasing rents frequently.

Earlier laws limited rent increases to once per year, but reports of circumvention have emerged in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria.

Public feedback is being sought through a discussion paper until 11 August, 2023.

The government is considering tying limits to the frequency of rental increases to a property, rather than individual tenancies, to ensure fairness and stability for renters across Queensland. Earlier this year, laws were passed to align Queensland with New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, and the ACT. These laws restrict the frequency of rent increases to once per year, promoting rent stability, affordability, and certainty for renters. However, recent reports have highlighted instances in Queensland, as well as New South Wales and Victoria, where landlords and agents are ending leases with tenants to increase rents more frequently than once per year. To address this issue and safeguard renters from potential unfair practices, the Palaszczuk Government is proposing a new approach. By tying limits to the frequency of rental increases to a property, the intent of the existing laws will be strengthened, and renters will be protected from being penalized by attempts to bypass the rent increase restrictions. The government is keen to hear from the community on this important matter. A discussion paper has been released for public feedback. Your input is valuable, and I encourage you to participate in the consultation process. The Queensland Government remains committed to ensuring fair and equitable renting conditions for all Queenslanders. By addressing concerns around rental increase practices, we aim to create a more secure and stable rental market that benefits both renters and property owners alike. Let's work together to build a stronger and more inclusive rental sector, where everyone can have confidence in their housing arrangements. Submissions can be made until 5 pm on 11 August, 2023. For more information and to submit your feedback, click the button below: