Queensland rental law changes: what landlords need to know

Queensland’s rental reforms have arrived in stages since 2023, and the result is a more detailed set of rules for every landlord. None of it is a reason to stop investing. It is a reason to make sure your property is managed by someone who keeps on top of it, because many of the new rules carry penalties.

Rent increases: once every 12 months, per property

Since 6 June 2024, the 12-month limit on rent increases applies to the property, not to a particular lease. A new tenancy no longer resets the clock. Leases and rent increase notices must also state the date of the last increase for the premises, and tenants can ask for evidence of it.

What it means for you: the timing and size of each rent review matters more than ever. Miss the window, or set the rent too low at the start of a lease, and you may be locked in for a year.

No more rent bidding

From the same date, landlords and agents can’t invite or accept offers above the advertised rent. Pricing the property correctly from day one is now essential, because the market can no longer “find” the rent for you through competing offers.

Bonds, rent payments and break leases

From 30 September 2024:

• Bonds are capped at four weeks’ rent, and any bond claim must be backed by evidence.
• Tenants must be offered at least two ways to pay rent, including one that costs no more than normal bank fees.
• Reletting costs a tenant pays when breaking a lease are capped, based on how much of the lease is left.
• Copies of water bills must be given to tenants within four weeks.

Applications, privacy and entry

From 1 May 2025, rental applications must use an approved form and can only ask for set information. Applicants can be asked for no more than two documents in each of three categories (identity, ability to pay and suitability). Personal information must be stored securely and destroyed within set timeframes.

Notice for several kinds of entry also increased from 24 to 48 hours, and entry is limited to twice in seven days once a notice to leave has been given. Routine inspections still need seven days’ notice.

Minimum housing standards and smoke alarms

Every rental in Queensland must meet the minimum housing standards, which cover things like weatherproofing, security, plumbing and functioning fixtures. Rentals must also have interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms that meet the current legislation.

What this means for investors

The rules reward landlords who plan. Rent reviews need to be timed and priced carefully. Applications and records need to be handled properly. And compliance needs to be tracked, not assumed. At Rentwell, compliance is where the job starts: every property we manage is checked against these requirements, and rent reviews are planned around the 12-month rule.

This article is general information, current as at October 2026, and isn’t legal advice. Check the Residential Tenancies Authority for the full rules, or talk to us about your property.