The Queensland government has flagged further changes to the state's rental laws, giving tenants more power to make security modifications and decorative changes to their properties.
The state government is currently developing its second package of rental reforms – targeting laws which currently restrict tenants' abilities to install modifications like security measures, disability access, and personal changes such as hanging pictures.
The government's stage one reforms passed parliament in 2021, putting an end to without-grounds evictions and making it easier for renters to have pets, and easing the burden on tenants fleeing domestic violence.
The stage two rental reforms build on those changes and focus on five key priorities:
- Installing modifications
- Making personalisation changes
- Balancing privacy (for tenants) and access (for landlords)
- Improving the rental bond process
- Fairer fees and charges
Number of inspections limited
Potential changes include allowing tenants to make changes to improve accessibility, security and safety of their homes, like installing security screens or fitting safety gates, without approval from their landlords.
Current laws require renters to seek approval from landlords before making any modification.
A report detailing the possible changes suggested keeping current laws unchanged and developing resources to help renters and property owners negotiate.
It also suggested law changes limiting the number of property inspections allowed and increasing the notice period for inspections.
"Renters and advocacy groups have expressed the negative impact frequent general inspections have on their quiet enjoyment and wellbeing," it said.
The government is currently seeking public submissions about the changes.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the government wants "to strike the right a balance" between supporting tenants and encouraging investment in the housing market.
Rental caps introduced to parliament
New laws flagged last month limiting rent increases to once a year in Queensland were introduced to parliament.
The legislation responds to rental inflation in the state and applies to all new and existing tenancies.
If passed, the new laws will dictate any rent increases after July 1 will only be valid if it comes a year after any previous increases.
More frequent increases written into current rental agreements will not apply if the law is passed.
