New QLD Tenancy Laws Start 1 May 2025: What Landlords Need to Know
As of 1 May 2025, significant changes will come into effect under the Stage 3 Rental Law Reforms in Queensland, impacting how tenancies are managed across the state. These reforms, introduced under the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008, aim to standardise processes, protect privacy, and balance rights between landlords and tenants.
This article outlines the most important updates landlords need to be aware of.
📝 New Application Forms
From 1 May 2025, all applications for residential tenancies in Queensland must be submitted using legislated standard forms (Form 22 for general tenancies, Form R22 for rooming accommodation). These forms will unify the application process across the industry.
What can you request from applicants?
✔ Employment details
✔ Income verification
✔ Rental history
✔ Personal references
What is no longer permitted?
❌ Bank statements
❌ Legal history
❌ Bond claim history
❌ Questions regarding breach notices
Additionally, tenants must be offered at least two methods of submission, one of which must be free (e.g., email or in-person).
🔐 Entry Notice Periods & Limits on Inspections
One of the key changes is the adjustment to property access rules:
- Increased Notice Period: The minimum notice for most property entries (including maintenance, sales inspections, and valuations) is increasing from 24 hours to 48 hours.
- Routine Inspections: The required 7-day notice period remains unchanged.
- After a Notice to Leave Is Issued: Property access is limited to twice per week after a Notice to Leave or Notice of Intention to Leave has been issued.
- Open Homes: Tenants must still give written consent for open homes. However, they cannot refuse private inspections.
🛠️ Tenant Requests for Fixtures & Structural Changes
Tenants will now have the right to submit a formal request to make modifications to your property. These may include:
- Installing handrails
- Adding picture hooks
- Proposing improvements such as air conditioning, gardening, or minor renovations
Your responsibilities as a landlord:
- You must respond in writing within 28 days of receiving a request.
- Refusals must be reasonable, however when handling these requests on your behalf, we will impose conditions such as the fixture must be installed by a licensed professional and that the property must be returned to its original condition upon vacating. In this instance, all costs and repairs related to the fixture remain tenant’s responsibility.
- If the landlord wants to retain the fixture rather than having the property returned to it's original condition (e.g. the air conditioning unit), they may need to compensate the tenant for their investment at the end of the tenancy.
🔒 Privacy and Data Handling Obligations
New data protection standards are also being introduced:
- Secure Storage: All tenant information must be securely stored and used only for tenancy-related purposes.
- Data Retention: Application records must be retained for at least one year after tenancy ends.
💰 Disclosure of Financial Incentives
If you or your property manager receive a financial benefit from a third-party rent payment service, such as commissions or incentives, this must be disclosed to the tenant before they agree to use the service.
✅ We’ve Got You Covered
We understand that these changes may feel restrictive. While we do not agree with every provision, non-compliance may be considered a criminal offence. We have already updated our systems, trained our team, and are getting everything in place so you don’t have to stress. While navigating through these changes, we will always implement best practice procedures to ensure your investment stays protected.
If you want to know more, check out the official RTA FAQ page here, or feel free to reach out to us directly.