Do Queensland rental law changes apply to all tenancies?

Most changes apply to general tenancies under the *Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008*. Separate rules affect rooming accommodation and moveable dwellings. It is always best to confirm your tenancy type.

Can a landlord increase rent twice in one year if the tenant agrees?

No. The 12-month rule is a legislative requirement; a landlord cannot contract out of it. Any rent increase within 12 months is invalid, even with the tenant’s agreement.

What happens if a landlord uses an old termination notice form?

The notice is likely invalid. If the landlord then tries to evict a tenant based on an invalid notice, the tenant can challenge it at QCAT, and the eviction process would need to start again.

Can a tenant dispute a bond claim through the RTA?

Yes. A tenant can request that the RTA hold the disputed amount and refer the matter to QCAT. This is now the first step in the dispute process.

Are there new penalties for landlords who breach the rules?

Yes. QCAT can impose penalties for non-compliance, and tenants may be awarded compensation if a landlord breaches their obligations. The maximum penalties for some offences have increased.

What should a tenant do if they receive a rent increase notice that seems invalid?

Do not simply accept it. Seek advice from the RTA or a legal professional. At Enlight Lawyers, we can review the notice and advise on your rights.

Do these changes affect fixed-term tenancies ending in 2026?

Yes. Fixed-term tenancies are still subject to rent increase limits and notice requirements. A landlord cannot issue a rent increase that takes effect before 12 months after the last increase, even if it coincides with a new lease.

Queensland Rental Law Changes 2026

- The user asks for a blog post targeting "Queensland rental law changes 2026" for Enlight Lawyers, property law, Brisbane QLD. - We must write in first-person plural, include internal links, and follow the strict content structure. - Need to be legally accurate: avoid inventing specific 2026 provisions. Instead frame the article as the ongoing reform program, highlighting known changes to bond claims, rent increases, and eviction processes from recent amendments. - Use Australian English, include FAQ, table, step-by-step process, key takeaways, and internal links to /practice-areas/property-law/ and /contact/. - The title must be a question with the primary keyword and Queensland. "What Are the Queensland Rental Law Changes in 2026?" fits. - Ensure length 900-1100 words and include META block.

Direct Answer

Queensland’s rental law changes in 2026 are part of a progressive reform program that began in 2021, significantly affecting bond claims, rent increases, and eviction processes. The most substantial changes came through the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 and the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Regulation 2025, which commenced in phases through 2025 and continue to shape tenancy management in 2026. At Enlight Lawyers, we help landlords and tenants in Brisbane and across Queensland understand these new rights and obligations.

Key Takeaways

Rent increases in Queensland are now limited to once every 12 months for most tenancies.
Bond claims must be lodged through the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) first, not directly through QCAT.
Landlords must provide specific, valid grounds to end a periodic tenancy — "no specified grounds" evictions are no longer available in most cases.
Minimum notice periods for certain eviction reasons have been extended.
Updated RTA forms are mandatory from 1 May 2025 — using old forms may invalidate notices.
Both landlords and tenants should review their obligations in 2026, as further compliance changes may apply.

What Are the Queensland Rental Law Changes in 2026?

The Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (Qld) remains the core law governing rental tenancies in Queensland. However, the legal landscape has shifted dramatically in recent years. The amendments introduced by the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 are being phased in, and by 2026, most of the key reforms are fully operational. Whether you are a landlord in Brisbane or a tenant in regional Queensland, these changes directly affect your daily experience.

1. Bond Claims Now Go Through the RTA First

Previously, landlords could make bond claims directly against a tenant’s bond, and disputes would escalate to QCAT. Now, all bond claims must first be lodged with the RTA. If the tenant disagrees with the claim, the RTA will hold the disputed amount and refer the matter to QCAT for determination. This change prevents landlords from unilaterally accessing bond funds without scrutiny. It also gives tenants a clearer opportunity to contest deductions.

Key point: Landlords should now keep itemised evidence of damage or unpaid rent, because the RTA requires a breakdown of the claim.

2. Rent Increases Limited to Once Every 12 Months

The previous rules allowed rent increases more frequently in some circumstances. From 6 June 2024, rent increases can only be made once every 12 months for all general tenancies, regardless of whether the tenancy is periodic or fixed-term. This applies to most rental agreements in Queensland, including those covered by the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act.

Key point: A landlord cannot increase rent twice in a 12-month period, even through a new fixed-term agreement. Tenants should check their lease dates carefully.

3. Eviction Processes Have Been Tightened

One of the most significant changes involves ending a tenancy. The removal of "no specified grounds" evictions means a landlord must now provide a valid reason — such as selling the property, needing it for personal occupation, or the tenant breaching the agreement. Notice periods have also been extended in some cases, giving tenants more time to secure alternative housing.

For fixed-term tenancies, a landlord can still ask a tenant to leave at the end of the term without giving a reason in some circumstances, but the notice period and procedures must strictly comply with the new forms and regulations.

4. Updated Forms and Compliance

From 1 May 2025, the RTA released updated forms for entry notices, rent increase notices, and termination notices. Using the old forms may make a notice invalid. This is a common source of errors, and we see many disputes arise simply because a landlord used an outdated form.

Practical Application in Australia

In our practice at Enlight Lawyers, we see the practical differences these changes make in Brisbane’s rental market. Many landlords are still unaware that bond claims now require RTA approval before any deduction is taken. On the other hand, tenants often do not realise they can request a rent review from the RTA if a landlord attempts an increase within 12 months.

For example, if a landlord issues a rent increase notice that takes effect only 10 months after the last increase, the notice is invalid. A tenant can challenge it through the RTA, and the increase may be set aside. Similarly, a landlord who uses a pre-2025 termination notice form might find that the notice is defective, potentially restarting the eviction process — a costly and time-consuming mistake.

Common Risks or Mistakes

Using outdated forms — this is the most frequent error we see.
Issuing a rent increase too early — even by one week, it can be unlawful.
Making a bond claim without supporting evidence — the RTA will reject or pause it.
Ending a tenancy without a valid ground — this may constitute an unlawful eviction, exposing the landlord to penalties.
Forgetting about minimum notice periods — these vary depending on the reason for ending the tenancy.

Step-by-Step: Challenging a Rent Increase in Queensland

If you believe a rent increase in Queensland breaches the 12-month rule, follow these steps:

Check your lease — note the date of your last increase and the date of the new notice.
Confirm the timing — count 12 months from the last increase, not from the start of the tenancy.
Write to your landlord or agent — raise the issue in writing and quote the relevant section of the Act.
Contact the RTA — if the landlord proceeds with an invalid increase, lodge a dispute through the RTA’s online system.
Seek legal advice — if the matter escalates to QCAT, our team can assist you.

This process applies to most general tenancies, but there are exceptions for rooming accommodation and moveable dwellings, so always check your specific type of tenancy.

Table Comparison: Old vs New Rules

Issue	Previous Position	Position from 2024–2026
Rent increase frequency	Could be more frequent in some cases	Once every 12 months for all general tenancies
Bond claims	Landlord could claim directly; tenant could dispute at RTA hearing	Mandatory RTA process first; disputes go to QCAT
Ending a periodic tenancy without grounds	Previously available in some circumstances	No longer available; landlord must give a valid ground
Notice periods for personal occupation	Typically 2 months	Extended in some situations; check current RTA forms
Forms	Older versions accepted	Updated forms mandatory from 1 May 2025

Practical Next Steps

Whether you are a landlord or a tenant, Queensland’s rental law changes require attention. Review your current tenancy agreement, check the dates of any rent increases, and use only the current RTA forms for notices and bond claims. If you are facing a rental dispute or need clarity on your rights, speak to our property law team or contact us directly for advice. We have offices in Brisbane and Slacks Creek and appear regularly before QCAT on tenancy matters.