Queensland’s rental market has undergone significant reform in recent years, with major changes to tenancy law strengthening protections for renters. If you’re renting in QLD — whether in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, or regional Queensland — here’s what you need to know in 2026.
The Law That Governs Queensland Rentals
Renting in Queensland is governed by the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (RTRA Act), administered by the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA). The Act has been significantly amended in recent years to expand renter protections.
Rent Increases
In Queensland, rent can only be increased:
- Once every 12 months
- With a minimum of 60 days written notice
- The notice must state the new amount and the date it takes effect
During a fixed-term agreement, rent can only be increased if the amount of the increase (or the method of calculating it) is written into the lease. If there’s no rent increase clause in your fixed-term agreement, your landlord cannot increase the rent until the term ends.
If you believe a rent increase is excessive, you can apply to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) to have it reviewed.
Minimum Housing Standards
Queensland introduced minimum housing standards that apply to all new tenancy agreements. Rental properties must be:
- Weatherproof and structurally sound
- Private — with functioning locks on all external doors and windows
- Free from vermin, damp, and mould caused by the structure
- Fitted with functioning fixtures and appliances
- Equipped with adequate plumbing, hot water, and drainage
- Have a functioning toilet, bath or shower, and wash basin
- Have adequate ventilation and lighting
If your rental property doesn’t meet these standards, you can request the landlord rectify it. If they don’t comply within a reasonable time, you may be able to end the tenancy without penalty or seek orders from QCAT.
Repairs and Maintenance
Queensland landlords must keep properties in good repair. For emergency repairs (burst pipes, gas leaks, dangerous electrical faults, failure of hot water), the landlord must act immediately. If they can’t be reached, you can arrange emergency repairs yourself and claim up to $300 back.
For routine repairs, notify your landlord in writing and allow a reasonable time to respond. If they don’t act, you can apply to the RTA or QCAT.
Entry to the Property
Your landlord or agent must provide the following notice before entering:
- 24 hours notice for routine inspections (maximum 4 per year)
- 24 hours notice for non-urgent repairs
- Emergency situations only allow entry without notice
Entry must take place between 8am and 6pm on a business day (unless you agree otherwise). If your landlord enters without proper notice, you can report this to the RTA.
Ending a Tenancy
Queensland has introduced no-grounds eviction protections for renters. Landlords cannot end a fixed-term tenancy without a valid reason. For periodic tenancies, landlords must provide a reason and the required notice period. Valid reasons include:
- The landlord or their family intends to occupy the property
- The property is being sold with vacant possession
- Significant repairs or renovations requiring the property to be vacant
- The tenant has seriously breached the tenancy agreement
Notice periods vary by reason. If you receive a notice to leave that you believe is invalid, you can dispute it through the RTA’s dispute resolution service or QCAT.
Bond
Your bond must be lodged with the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) within 10 days. The maximum bond is four weeks’ rent. You should receive confirmation from the RTA that your bond has been lodged — if you don’t, contact the RTA directly.
At the end of your tenancy, your landlord has three business days to either refund the bond or apply to claim from it. If you disagree with any deductions, you can apply for dispute resolution through the RTA.
Pets
Queensland renters can request to keep a pet, and landlords cannot unreasonably refuse. If a landlord wants to refuse, they must apply to QCAT within 14 days. This is a significant right that was introduced as part of Queensland’s recent tenancy reforms.
Domestic Violence Protections
Queensland has strong protections for renters experiencing domestic violence. These include the right to end a tenancy immediately without penalty, have a co-tenant removed from the agreement, and have the property’s locks changed. Contact the RTA or a legal service for assistance.
Where to Get Help in Queensland
- Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) — rta.qld.gov.au — free dispute resolution, bond lodgement, and advice
- Tenants Queensland — tenantsqld.org.au — free legal advice and advocacy for QLD renters
- QCAT — qcat.qld.gov.au — formal tenancy disputes
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