Membership, training, private training services for the Queensland Real Estate industry.

Industry Updates August 2021

26th August 2021 - NEW QCAT Forms coming plus electronic filing

Good afternoon,

The following information has just been released.

Members of Real Estate Excellence, we shall update and provide more information as part of the September Member update service.

The Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) has updated a number of its minor civil dispute (MCD) forms ahead of introducing a new civil case management system which includes an online forms portal. 

About the minor civil dispute (MCD) forms 

The MCD jurisdiction is one of the largest within QCAT and covers a wide range of matters including debt disputes, consumer and trader disputes, dividing fence disputes and residential tenancy disputes, of which there were 11,611 cases lodged at QCAT in the 2020–21 financial year.  

The updates will go live on Monday 6 September across 20 MCD forms, including Form 2 – Application for minor civil dispute – residential tenancy dispute. These updates will make the forms easier to complete and be built into the new civil case management system that is being developed by the Department of Justice and Attorney-General.  

About the new civil case management system 

The new civil case management system will allow electronic case filing across QCAT and the Magistrates Courts. A portal enabling online lodgement and interaction between the parties and the registry will be developed as part of this new system to deliver a contemporary experience and provide a more accessible, easy-to-use and convenient service for Queenslanders.  

The portal will replace the civil system currently used in the Tribunal and courts, and allow self-represented parties to manage their cases electronically 24/7. 

The new system will support fully digital civil case management functionality with features including: 

  • online civil case file and minor civil dispute lodgement 
  • a client portal to manage case details, status and history of lodgements etc 
  • ability to undertake bulk lodgements online 
  • a diary and scheduling tool  
  • a public facing search facility. 

The new system is expected to go live in early 2022 and QCAT will keep you updated in the coming months. 

Updated QCAT forms effective 6 September 2021  

Download the latest forms from the QCAT website


Form 1 – Application for minor civil dispute – consumer/trader dispute; property damage caused by a motor vehicle 

Form 2 – Application for minor civil dispute – residential tenancy dispute 

Form 3 – Application for minor civil dispute – minor debt 

Form 53 – Application for minor civil dispute – dividing fences 

Form 6 – Request for decision by default – minor civil dispute – minor debt 

Form 7 – Response to minor civil dispute – minor debt 

Form 8 – Minor civil dispute –  counter application 

Form 9 – Affidavit of service 

Form 38 – Witness hearing notices: Application for notice requiring witness to attend a hearing or produce document/thing at a hearing 

Form 41 – Application for interim order 

Form 42 – Application to extend or shorten a time limit for waiver of compliance with procedural requirement 

Form 43 – Application for reopening, correction, renewal or amendment 

Form 44 – Application to stay a decision 

Form 45 – Application to be joined to a proceeding 

Form 49 – Application for fee waiver or appeal fee reduction by reason of financial hardship 

Form 55 – Application to set aside or amend a default decision 

Form 56 – Application for leave to be represented 

Application to attend a proceeding by telephone or video 

Application for decision/order by consent 

Change of contact details form 

Sourced from RTA latest news email 26th of August 2021.

24th August 2021

Email sent to the FREE Industry email mailing list. 

Good morning,
 
As reported to Members of Real Estate Excellence via the Member Update email service, the Parliamentary Committee who reviewed the Labor and Greens Tenancy law changes have released their report. They’ve recommended the passing of the Labor Bill.
 
Queensland Parliament is sitting on the 31st of August, with the Labor Bill currently number 4 on the agenda. This is subject to change.
 
A reminder regarding the upcoming PME Half day education and training events being held throughout Queensland. The sessions are filling fast so please register soon if you are wishing to attend to avoid disappointment. Please scroll down for some of the questions that will be discussed and answered as part of the HALF day PME event.
 
We will continue to keep Real Estate Excellence Members advised via the latest Member Update email service

Property Management Excellence PME one day special events

All special one-day events are 9am registration with 9.30am start and 3.30pm finish and include morning tea and lunch. They are held on a Friday to assist out of South-East Queensland attendees who may wish to make a weekend away part of their education and training. Scroll down to review Covid 19 requirements, dietary requirements and workbooks information.

Information regarding the proposed amendments to the RTRA Act (not the law and a BILL introduced to Parliament only at this point) will be discussed during the training events. RTRA Act review - Queensland (realestateexcellence.com.au)

All one-day special events are held at the Kedron Wavell Services Club (Brisbane).

Friday 10th September | QCAT. What every property manager should know

Detailed session outline, online registration, and investment can be found here.

Friday 17th September 2021 | Inspections, maintenance and entry. This event was to be held on 6th August and was rescheduled. Details regarding the rescheduled event here. Detailed session outline, online registration, and investment can be found here.

Friday 26th November | Thank a Property Manager Day (realestateexcellence.com.au) - The Active Property Manager 

Detailed session outline coming soon), online registration, and investment can be found here.

Investment cost per person including GST. Book online or via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Email us name and email of attendee/s to save online booking fee which is charged on top of below investment. 

  • PME, Platinum NON PME, Individual person member per person - $199
  • Gold or Advisory member per perso
 

HALF DAY PME TRAINING EVENTS THROUGHOUT QUEENSLAND

 For information about all upcoming PME events including the special one-day events, visit Training events (realestateexcellence.com.au)
 

 Property Management Excellence PME half day events 9.30am to 12.30pm including morning tea

Session topic 

RTRA Act update - What property managers need to know. More information will be provided once the progress of the Housing Amendment Bill is known.  RTRA Act review - Queensland tenancy law reform (realestateexcellence.com.au).  

The training will also include a valuable Q and A. Questions and answers (with discussion) that all property managers need to know and sometimes are misunderstood. Stacey Holt will have pre prepared questions as part of the Q and A and will discuss the answer by explaining the legislation, best practice and risk management. Scroll down for some of the questions that will be discussed and answered.

 Scroll down to review Covid 19 requirements,  dietary requirements and workbooks information.

Brisbane - Kedron Wavell Services Club Chermside | 28th October 2021 | Register here

Bundaberg - Brothers Leagues Club | 9th November 2021 | Register here

Cairns - Shangri-la @ the Pier | 21st September 2021 | Register here

Fraser Coast - Hervey Bay Boat Club | 10th November 2021 | Register here

Gladstone - Yaralla Sports Club | 20th October 2021 | Register here

Gold Coast - Parkwood Gold Club | 27th October 2021 | Register here  

Ipswich - Brothers Leagues Club | 26th October 2021 | Register here

Mackay - Ocean International |23rd September 2021 | Register here

Rockhampton - Rockhampton Leagues Club |19th October 2021 | Register here

Sunshine Coast - Banana Bender Pub Aussie World Palmview |11th November 2021 | Register here

Toowoomba - Toowoomba Sports Ground | 22nd October 2021 | Register here

Townsville - Rydges Southbank Palmer Street |22nd September 2021 | Register here

Registrations

Register via email to save the online booking fee This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Email us name and email of attendee/s to save online booking fee which is charged on top of below investment. 

  • PME, Platinum NON PME, Individual person member per person - $70
  • Gold or Advisory member per person - $80
  • Non-member per person - $144

Dietary Requirements, workbooks and tickets 

The training event includes morning tea and lunch. Please advise of any dietary requirements at least seven days prior to event by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

The workbook for the training will be emailed to registered attendees email address for printing or uploading to your device to bring to the event prior to the training day. Please bring your ticket on the day to register for the training.

 Covid 19 requirements

All attendees will be required to register their attendance upon arrival and adhere to any Covid safe requirements specified by the venue.

Cancellation policy 

Refunds are not available if cancellations are made within 7 days prior to the event. Any monies paid are forfeited if cancellation made within 7 days prior to event. Refunds or credit voucher is available if cancellation made more than 7 days prior to event. If attendee does not attend the event, no refunds or credit vouchers are available, and the amount paid is forfeited.  

Are you on our free mailing list?

If you wish to be on the Real Estate Excellence mailing list to receive industry updates and events/training information straight to your inbox, please email Stacey Holt to be added or visit www.realestateexcellence.com.au to subscribe. Please include your area in the email such as Dalby or Rockhampton.

Important general information about training events

 Training events are subject to change of content and or cancellation by Real Estate Excellence and registered attendees are notified prior via email to the registered email address provided to the event if this occurs.

 Training registration is not available for other training organisations, commercial companies who provide services for the industry,  and or affiliated organisations. Training is for active licensees, real estate agents, property managers and staff in the industry, or individuals who wish to join the industry.  

 Any attendee/s registration made by above may be cancelled at the discretion of Real Estate Excellence. Please contact Stacey Holt for more information in this regard if required.

Following are proposed examples of some of the questions coming up during the Queensland half day PME education and training events. The proposed laws will be discussed as the answers.

 
Event details www.realestateexcellence.com.au/trainingevents
 
What are the new laws in relation to how long a tenant has to return an entry condition report?
 
How is this calculated by law? Example.
 
What is changing in relation to how much a tenant can spend on emergency if the matter has not been responded to within a reasonable time frame, and or the lessor / agent is nothing contactable?  
What are the new laws regarding the agent's authority to authorise emergency repairs on behalf of the property owner?
 
What is a significant breach, and what is now a new significant breach?
 
What is the new action a lessor / agent could take if a tenant breaches the contract under the new serious breach provision?
 
What are the new ways to end a tenancy?
 
What are the time frames?
 
What must be provided as evidence for some new grounds by the property owner?
 
What are the penalties if the property owner gives a notice to leave under some of new grounds and it is found under due process and investigation that it was done unlawfully?
 
What new rights do tenants have if they believe the lessor has given a notice to leave for the new ground of end of fixed term agreement contract unlawfully?
 
Can a property owner refuse a pet?
 
Can a tenant make minor alterations to a property without lessor consent?
 
How can a victim of family violence end a tenancy without having to do a breach of agreement / break lease?
 
What evidence must a victim of dv provide with their notice and who from?
 
If a victim of dv ends a tenant lawfully, and there are remaining tenants, what happens to the bond and tenancy agreement contract?
 
What are the new minimum housing standards?
 
What must a property owner do and ensure the property has, plus by when?
 
What new rights do tenants have if a lessor does not adhere to the minimum housing standards?
 
What new rights do tenants have to end a tenancy lawfully?
 
A quick overview of other changes proposed under the Labor Bill.
 

Reminder regarding the smoke alarms laws under the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Act and the misunderstanding regarding January 1, 2022

 Membership information

 If you would information about the membership options provided by Real Estate Excellence agencies,  please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., visit Membership Services, Benefits and Options (realestateexcellence.com.au) or phone 0423 018 539. Thank you for your interest.

 
Kind regards 
 

Stacey Holt and Melissa Goody

8th August 2021

Information regarding the South East Queensland lockdown changes and the Cairns and Yarrah lockdown can be found Real Estate Excellence Member Updates.

3rd August 2021

RTRA Act review - Queensland (realestateexcellence.com.au) update

 Rental law reform proposals

Housing Legislation Amendment Bill 2021

On 18 June 2021 the Queensland Government introduced the Housing Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 to the Queensland Parliament.  

Proposed reform areas include: 

  • ensuring all parties have appropriate approved reasons for all parties to end a tenancy 
  • prescribing Minimum Housing Standards 
  • options for people experiencing domestic and family violence to end a tenancy 
  • frameworks for all parties to negotiate renting with pets. 

The Bill was referred to the Community Support and Services Committee for detailed consideration and submissions were invited on the proposed changes through the Committee process until 12 noon on 13 July 2021. 

The Committee’s report on the Bill is due on 16 August 2021. 

Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation (Tenants' Rights) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 

On 26 May 2021, Dr Amy MacMahon MP, Member for South Brisbane, introduced the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation (Tenants’ Rights) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 (Bill) into the Queensland Parliament. The Bill was referred to the Community Support and Services Committee and public submissions were invited until 12 noon on 13 July 2021.   

The Committee’s report on the Bill is due on 16 August 2021. 

More information on both Bills is available on the Committee webpage

Sourced from Rental law reform proposals | Residential Tenancies Authority (rta.qld.gov.au)

 

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