What Are the New Queensland Tenancy Laws 2025? Key Changes for Renters and Landlords

Direct Answer

From 1 May 2025, Queensland's tenancy laws introduced significant changes affecting rent increases, bond limits, eviction notice periods, and tenant rights to make minor modifications. These reforms, under the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 and associated regulations, aim to improve rental affordability, security, and fairness for both tenants and landlords across Queensland, including Brisbane.

Key Takeaways

• Rent increases are now limited to once every 12 months for all tenancies.

• Bonds are capped at 4 weeks' rent for properties under $700/week and 2 weeks' rent for properties over $700/week.

• Minimum notice periods for termination without grounds have increased to 8 weeks.

• Rent bidding is explicitly prohibited – landlords cannot invite offers above the advertised rent.

• Tenants can now make minor modifications to the property without landlord consent, subject to certain conditions.

What Are the New Queensland Tenancy Laws 2025?

The Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 (the Act) and the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Regulation 2025 came into effect on 1 May 2025. These laws overhaul the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants in Queensland, bringing the state in line with modern rental practices.

Rent Increases

Previously, landlords could increase rent every 6 months for periodic tenancies. Under the new laws, rent can only be increased once every 12 months for all tenancy types, including fixed-term agreements. This change provides greater rent stability for tenants and requires landlords to plan rental adjustments more carefully.

Bond Limits

Bonds are now capped based on the weekly rent:

• For properties with a weekly rent of $700 or less: maximum bond is 4 weeks' rent.

• For properties with a weekly rent over $700: maximum bond is 2 weeks' rent.

This reform reduces upfront costs for tenants renting higher-value properties, making housing more accessible.

Eviction Rules

The new laws extend minimum notice periods for termination without grounds to 8 weeks. Additionally, new prescribed grounds for termination have been introduced, such as when the property is being sold or for major renovations. These changes aim to reduce no-grounds evictions and provide tenants with more security.

Rent Bidding Prohibition

Landlords and agents are now prohibited from inviting, encouraging, or accepting rent bids above the advertised price. This prevents rental bidding wars and ensures transparency in rent setting.

Minor Modifications

Tenants can now make certain minor modifications to the property without needing landlord consent, such as installing child safety devices, picture hooks, or fly screens. The tenant must still comply with conditions like restoring the property at the end of the tenancy.

Practical Application in Australia

These laws apply to all general tenancies, rooming accommodations, and moveable dwelling tenancies in Queensland. For landlords, this means reviewing and updating lease agreements, rent increase notices, and termination procedures. For tenants, it means understanding new rights to challenge unfair rent increases and evictions.

At Enlight Lawyers, we regularly assist clients in Brisbane and across Queensland with tenancy disputes, lease reviews, and compliance advice. Our property law team can help you navigate these changes.

Common Risks or Mistakes

For Landlords

• Failing to update lease agreements: Using old terms that don't comply with new laws can lead to penalties.

• Issuing rent increases too frequently: Increasing rent within 12 months of the last increase is now prohibited.

• Not providing correct notice periods: Termination notices must meet the new 8-week minimum for no-grounds evictions.

For Tenants

• Not knowing your modification rights: You may be able to make minor changes without permission.

• Accepting illegal rent increases: Any increase within 12 months is invalid.

• Ignoring eviction notice requirements: Ensure the notice period and grounds are correct.

Step-by-Step Process: How to Comply with the New Laws

For Landlords

1. Review your lease agreements: Update templates to reflect new bond limits and rent increase restrictions.

2. Adjust rent increase schedules: Ensure no rent increase occurs within 12 months of the last increase.

3. Update termination procedures: Use the new prescribed grounds and notice periods for evictions.

4. Prohibit rent bidding: Remove any clauses that invite offers above advertised rent.

5. Inform tenants of modification rights: Provide a list of permitted minor modifications.

For Tenants

1. Check your lease: Ensure it complies with new bond limits and rent increase rules.

2. Request minor modifications: Use the new rights to make approved changes.

3. Challenge invalid rent increases: If your landlord attempts an increase within 12 months, seek advice.

4. Verify eviction notices: Confirm the notice period is at least 8 weeks and the grounds are valid.

Table Comparison: Old vs New Queensland Tenancy Laws

Internal Links

• Learn more about our property law services for landlords and tenants.

• If you have a tenancy dispute, contact us for a free initial consultation.

• Meet our experienced team of solicitors who specialise in Queensland property law.

• Read our blog for more updates on Queensland tenancy laws.

Practical Next Steps

Whether you are a landlord updating your lease agreements or a tenant facing a rent increase, understanding these new laws is essential. At Enlight Lawyers, we offer fixed-fee advice and a free initial consultation to help you comply or enforce your rights. Call us today on (07) 3495 1884 or visit our office at 10/1-3 Noel Street, Slacks Creek QLD. We speak Bengali, Hindi, Urdu, Arabic, Vietnamese, and Mandarin.