Renter's Rights in Queensland: Complete Guide (2026)

Queensland’s rules on bond, repairs, entry and pets give renters a stronger hand when they know them. Keep that habit when you move from renting to buying: a buyer who knows the rules and reads the contract is much harder to rush.

The QLD Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008

The Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (QLD) is the primary legislation covering residential tenancies in Queensland. It covers standard tenancies (houses and apartments) as well as rooming accommodation (boarding houses, student accommodation).

The Act is administered by the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA), which also provides dispute resolution and manages rental bonds. Queensland ended no-grounds evictions and introduced pet rules on 1 October 2022, with further changes in 2024 and 2025.

Bond rules

• Maximum bond: 4 weeks rent (higher allowable thresholds for very high rent, check RTA for current limits)
• Lodgement: Lodged with the RTA within 10 days of the tenancy starting; you should receive a receipt
• Refund: At end of tenancy, both parties can agree to a refund via the RTA’s online system; disputes go to the RTA dispute resolution service or QCAT

Complete a detailed property condition report on move-in and request a signed copy. Take dated photographs; this is critical for bond refunds.

Rent increases

• Frequency: No more than once every 12 months (fixed-term and periodic)
• Notice: At least 2 months (60 days) written notice
• For fixed-term agreements, the increase amount must be specified in the agreement

QLD doesn’t cap the amount of an increase, only the frequency and notice. If you believe an increase is excessive, seek advice from the RTA.

Repairs and maintenance

QLD law sorts repairs into two types: emergency and routine.

Emergency repairs

Must be addressed immediately. Examples: burst water pipe, gas leak, serious roof damage after storm, breakdown of essential services, and a broken hot water system, stove or heater. Repairs needed to meet the minimum housing standards also count. If the landlord can’t be reached, tenants can arrange emergency repairs themselves up to the value of 4 weeks rent. The landlord must reimburse you within 7 days of getting the receipts.

Routine repairs

Any repair that isn’t an emergency repair is a routine repair. It should be done within a reasonable time after written notice. If it isn’t, you can give a Notice to remedy breach (Form 11) allowing at least 7 days, then use RTA dispute resolution or apply to QCAT for a repair order. Always request repairs in writing and keep copies.

Landlord entry rights

• Routine inspections: Maximum 4 per year. The first inspection can’t occur until at least 3 months after tenancy starts. 7 days written notice required.
• General entry for repairs: 48 hours notice required (up from 24 hours on 1 May 2025)
• Emergency: No notice required

Entry between 8am and 6pm, not Sundays or public holidays unless the tenant agrees. Landlords must not enter more than is reasonably necessary.

Pet ownership rules

Since 1 October 2022, Queensland landlords cannot unreasonably refuse a tenant’s request to keep a pet. Acceptable grounds for refusal:

• The pet is unsuitable for the property (e.g. large dog in a small unit)
• Body corporate by-laws prohibit pets
• The number of pets would be unreasonable

Landlords must respond to a pet request within 14 days. If they refuse, they must provide written reasons. Tenants can dispute an unreasonable refusal through the RTA.

Ending a tenancy

Check with the RTA for current notice periods and the full list of approved reasons.

Grounds for ending a tenancy

Since 1 October 2022, QLD landlords must have an approved reason to end a tenancy. The option to end a tenancy without grounds was removed. Approved reasons include:

• End of a fixed term agreement (at least 2 months notice)
• Property sold requiring vacant possession
• Owner or family member moving into the property
• Major renovations or demolition
• Serious or repeated breach of the agreement by the tenant

Visit rta.qld.gov.au for the full list of approved reasons and notice periods.

Resolving disputes, RTA & QCAT

QLD has a two-step dispute resolution process:

1. RTA Dispute Resolution Service: Free, phone-based conciliation, available to both landlords and tenants. Most disputes resolve here without going to tribunal.
2. QCAT (Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal): If conciliation fails, either party can apply for a formal decision. Applications can be lodged online.

Resources and contacts

• Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA): rta.qld.gov.au
• Tenants Queensland, free advice: tenantsqld.org.au
• QCAT: qcat.qld.gov.au