The Government recently announced changes to Queensland rental legislation, which they said is to ensure safety and fairness in the community. The new changes could mean that tenants are given more rights, making the prospect of investing in property less desirable for some.
What are the changes?
Some of the laws under the proposed reform include:
- A landlord will be required to have reasonable grounds for refusing a tenant’s request to keep a pet;
- A tenant will have the right to make minor modifications to a rental property without a landlord’s approval; and
- All rental properties will need to meet certain standards addressing:
- Weatherproofing and structural soundness
- Plumbing and damage
- Security
- The standard repair of fixtures and fittings
- Control of pests and vermin
- Ventilation, lighting and privacy
- Cooking and food preparation facilities
The government said the changes came as a result of community consultation, with over 135,000 responses submitted.
Recent rental reforms in Queensland have introduced specific provisions regarding property damage compensation, particularly in relation to pet ownership and tenant modifications.
Pet-Related Damage
Under the new legislation, damage caused by pets is explicitly excluded from the definition of “fair wear and tear.” This change allows property owners to seek compensation for any harm pets may cause to the property. Landlords can also impose reasonable conditions when granting pet approvals, and any violation of these conditions by tenants could be considered a breach of the tenancy agreement.
Tenant Modifications and Fixtures
Tenants are permitted to install fixtures or make structural changes to the rental property only with the written consent of the property manager or owner. The agreement should detail the nature of the changes, specify whether the tenant can remove the fixture, and outline responsibilities for repairing any damage caused during installation or removal. If a tenant installs a fixture without permission, the property manager or owner may require the tenant to restore the property to its original condition or accept the fixture as an improvement. Tenants are liable for the costs to repair any damage they cause to the rental property, including when installing or removing changes, regardless of whether the rental property owner has agreed to them.
These reforms are designed to balance the rights and responsibilities of tenants and property owners, ensuring clarity in situations involving property damage and compensation.
For more information about the new rental reform, get in touch with one of our mortgage brokers in Cairns today.
