QLD’s 2025 Tenancy Shake-Up: Key Changes You Can’t Afford to Miss

On 1 May 2025, significant amendments to Queensland’s rental laws came into effect, introducing new requirements for rental applications, increased privacy protections, and more notice for property entries. These reforms aim to support transparency, fairness, and accessibility for tenants, while clarifying responsibilities for landlords and property managers.

Key Changes Effective 1 May 2025

1. Standardised Rental Application Process

Rental application forms must now follow a standardised format, limiting what landlords and agents can ask for. Permitted information includes:

• Personal details (name, contact info, DOB)
• Rental history and references
• Employment and income details
• Tenancy duration and number of occupants
• Pets and vehicles

Applicants may only be asked to provide:

• Up to 2 documents each for ID, ability to pay rent, and suitability
• Original documents may be sighted without requiring copies

Agents and landlords cannot request:

• Tribunal histories or notices to remedy breach
• Rental bond history
• Bank statements showing transaction details

Such information may still be obtained via referees.

2. Improved Privacy Protections

• Applicants can choose to show, rather than submit, original documents
• Information from unsuccessful applications must be destroyed within 3 months
• For successful applicants, data must be securely destroyed 7 years after tenancy ends (unless otherwise consented)

3. Fairer Application Submission Options

Landlords and agents must now offer at least two ways to submit rental applications, and one must not involve:

• A third-party platform that collects data, or
• Any application fees

This ensures accessibility regardless of digital capability or financial means.

4. Extended Entry Notice Periods

The required minimum notice for entry has increased from 24 to 48 hours in most cases, including:

• Routine inspections
• Repairs or maintenance
• Property viewings for sale or lease
• Valuations
• Safety compliance checks

There are also new limits on how frequently entry can occur, especially toward the end of a tenancy.

5. Rules for Fixtures and Modifications

Tenants must seek written consent before installing fixtures or making structural changes. This protects property integrity and ensures mutual agreement on alterations.

Where to Find More Information

For official guidance and full legislative details on the tenancy law changes, visit the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) website.

The RTA provides updated fact sheets, videos, and resources to help both tenants and rental providers understand and apply the new laws effectively.