What Do I Need To Know About The Changes To Tenancy Laws In 2022

Ensure you understand your landlord & tenant obligations post the October 2022 changes.

As of the 1st of October 2022 new tenancy laws have come into effect, here's what you need to know as either a landlord or a tenant.

Landlords: 

Ending a tenancy agreement

As of the 1st of October 2022 managing parties (landlords and their representatives) have more reasons available to specify for ending a tenancy, and they are no longer able to end a tenancy without providing a specific reason. For a fixed term tenancy, this reason might be the completion of the fixed term agreement, however for periodic tenancy agreements a specific reason under the act must be given.
You can read more about managed parties ending a tenancy agreement in this RTA Factsheet. 

Tenants with pets

As of the 1st of October 2022 the legislation in relation to tenants and their pets have changed with new legislation specifically related to reasons in which landlords are able to refuse pets at a property. You can access more information with regard to the process to be followed when a tenant requests to have a pet on the premises via this RTA fact sheet.

Repair orders

As of the 1st of October 2022 the legislation in relation to repair orders has been amended. Tenants now have the right to apply for a repair order via the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) in order to ensure that the managing party takes action to address required repairs. This RTA fact sheet contains the information you’ll need in relation to repair orders.

Tenants: 

Ending a tenancy agreement

As of the 1st of October 2022 tenants have more reasons available to specify for ending a tenancy agreement. This RTA fact sheet offers a valuable resource for tenants with regard to understanding the reasons available to end a tenancy agreement and the necessary forms/process required.

Tenants with pets

As of the 1st of October 2022 the legislation in relation to tenants and their pets have changed with new legislation specifically related to reasons in which landlords are able to refuse pets at a property. As a tenant you must seek approval to keep a pet on the property, failure to do so is a significant breach, however reasons why a landlord can decline your request have now been made more fair - you can access more information with regard to the process to be followed when requesting to have a pet on the premises via this RTA fact sheet.

Repair orders

As of the 1st of October 2022 the legislation in relation to repair orders has been amended. Tenants now have the right to apply for a repair order via the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) in order to ensure that the managing party takes action to address required repairs. This RTA fact sheet contains the information you’ll need in relation to repair orders.

For a full breakdown of all changes and resources related to the changes that took effect as of the 1st of October 2022, the RTA is your best resource, alternatively you can reach out directly to the Property Management Team at Southern Downs Realty to discuss your specific queries.