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

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 updated its tenancy laws in 2024, introducing grounds-based eviction rules and enhanced pet rights.

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 categorises repairs into three levels:

Emergency repairs

Must be addressed immediately. Examples: burst water pipe, gas leak, serious roof damage after storm, breakdown of essential services. If the landlord can't be reached, tenants can arrange emergency repairs themselves up to $300 and reclaim the cost.

Urgent repairs

Must be attended to within 24 to 48 hours. Examples: broken water heater, fridge failure (if included in lease), broken pool gate.

Non-urgent repairs

Should be addressed within a reasonable time, typically 7 days after written notice for minor repairs, longer for complex works. 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: 24 hours notice required
• 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, 2024 reforms

Following the 2024 reforms, 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, transitional provisions from the 2024 reforms may still apply.

Grounds for ending tenancy, 2024 reforms

QLD introduced legislation in 2024 requiring landlords to have valid grounds to end a tenancy, moving toward the model adopted by Victoria in 2021. Valid grounds include:

• 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

Implementation has been phased. Visit rta.qld.gov.au for the current status of all 2024 reform provisions.

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