In December 2008, the Queensland Parliament passed the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008. This act sets out the new tenancy laws for Queensland and replaces the Residential Tenancies Act 1994 and the Residential Services (Accommodation) Act 2002.
The new Act took effect on 1 July 2009.
Some of the key changes for tenants are:
- In addition to the existing approved grounds for entry, the department may enter properties to check that breaches have been remedied or to check on repairs and maintenance.
- The department may dispose of goods left behind at a property if the value of goods is less than $1,500. This amount has increased from $1,300.
- There is a new process for ending tenancy agreements for sole deceased tenants.
The department has written to all tenants outlining these changes. It is important to note that existing tenants are not required to sign a new tenancy agreement for the property they are currently living in.
For more information about the changes, please contact your nearest Housing Services office, or contact the Residential Tenancies Authority on 1300 366 311 or visit their website at www.rta.qld.gov.au.
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