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

RTRA Act review - Queensland tenancy law reform

Updates are and will be provided to Real Estate Excellence member offices via the Real Estate Excellence Member Update and posted in the Member Facebook and Instragram groups Real Estate Excellence - Stacey Holt SHREE members private group and SHREE members.   Updates and information are also provided as part of training events. 

Scroll down to 29th June 2021 for information regarding the Bills and submission information.


RTRA 2017

Update 27th November 2017 

A new version of the Property Management Excellence PME manual (part of the PME system) will be released January 30th 2018 to include information on the new laws (plus other improvements and edits).

From the RTA website www.rta.qld.gov.au

From the RTA website www.rta.qld.gov.au

Update 31st October 2017

A 30 minute training webinar is now available explaining the new laws and the current situation. QLD PME system member offices  can view the training online anytime as per the member email on the morning of 31st October. Non PME member office and non Real Estate Excellence offices can purchase the training for a small training service fee. Contact us.

Update 30th October 2017

The laws are yet to commence and have not received assent from the Governor.. With the election being called on 29  October, there will be some time until we no more about the commencement date of the law and the detail about the regulations.

The November Real Estate Excellence member update service has important information for member offices.

Update 26th October 2017

New laws passed last night in allowing for minimum housing standard regulations. More information will be provided to Real Estate Excellence member offices via email in near future and immediate updates provided in the Facebook private members group;

Direct link for members https://www.facebook.com/groups/QldRealEstateExcellencemembersgroup/

Non members can find more information at www.parliament.qld.gov.au and refer to Hansard 25th October 2017.

Media Statements
Tim Nicholls – Minister for Slumlords
Media Statements
Minister for Housing and Public Works and Minister for Sport
The Honourable Mick de Brenni.

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Tim Nicholls – Minister for Slumlords

This evening, the LNP united to vote against laws that will ensure rental properties are safe and fit for purpose.

Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni said the LNP’s position was disgraceful, and demonstrated how out of touch Tim Nicholls is.

“Every Queenslander has the right to know that the home they live in is safe, secure, and fit to live in,” Mr de Brenni said.

“Just over a third of Queenslanders live in rented accommodation, including many families raising children.

“You can’t sell a car in this state without having it checked over and a roadworthy certificate issued, and the reason for that is simple – you should be confident that when you buy a car, it’s in good working order and safe to drive.

“Most Queenslanders spend a lot more time in their homes than they do in their cars, and yet Tim Nicholls would rather let slumlords rent out houses with rotted floorboards or windows which don’t close properly than stand up for Queensland renters.

“Tim Nicholls has decided he’s the Minister for Slumlords - he should hang his head in shame.”

Mr de Brenni said the amendment, which was passed this evening without LNP support, would set clear benchmarks for landlords and tenants.

“It was only a week ago that the Local Government Association of Queensland passed a motion, calling on the Queensland Government to mandate enforceable standards for rental properties,” Mr de Brenni said.

“Tim Nicholls is ignoring his party’s own Mayors, in favour of dodgy landlords who put Queensland families at risk.

“It’s just not good enough.”

[ENDS]

Media contact: Tristan Douglas 0447 164 197

Update 13th October 4.30pm - After writing to the LNP Opposition Leader, Mr Nichols (refer to notes below), I received a call from his office late this afternoon. The LNP will not be supporting the proposed minimum housing standards currently before QLD Parliament. Refer to page 75 of the following committee report. It will depend on the crossbenches of the QLD Parliament see who they are here as to how they vote. I will be contacting the cross bench in coming days to obtain their policy view and will update accordingly.

Update 10th October 2017 - Qld Parliament is sitting over the next three days. The RTRA Act proposed minimum housing standard laws are number 5 on the current Government agenda. www.parliament.qld.gov.au

Update 12th October 2017 - An email has been sent to Member offices of Real Estate Excellence advising of current situation. Click here to review

Update 13th October 2017 - The bill was not heard and is currently number 2 on the Governent agenda for when they next sit on the 24th October.

I have written to Tim Nichols, the leader of the QLD LNP - email below. I shall advise of the response in due course.

Good morning Mr Nichols, Leader of the LNP Queensland

My name is Stacey Holt and I have a company called Real Estate Excellence (www.realestateexcellence.com.au)

My company focus is on best practice, compliance and risk management services for the QLD and NSW real estate industry.

The reason for my email is to request LNP policy, if available, relating to future rental laws.

As you are aware, the HOUSING LEGISLATION (BUILDING BETTER FUTURES) AMENDMENT BILL is before the Parliament now relating to minimum housing standards. You most likely are also aware of the Green’s policy relating to rental laws https://greens.org.au/qld

Given an election is looming, I am keen to advise my clients and the real estate industry of the LNP policy relating to rental laws in Queensland.

Stacey Holt.

10th August 2017

On the 10th August, the industry was advised by Real Estate Excellence  via our mailing list service and via social media, a bill has been introduced into Queensland Parliament to amend the RTRA Act and introduce minimum housing standards. A further email was sent and social media posts were made on the 19th August  regarding the opportunity to have your say about the proposed amendments. (refer to the bottom of this blog post). 

An email template to send to landlords prior to August 28th encouraging submissions is available to member offices of Real Estate Excellence. Members, please email us to receive.

Minimum housing standards for Queensland rental property was first proposed in 2014 and submissions were then called. Click here to read Real Estate Excellence submission from 2014. The submission that will be made in relation to the current amendment, will be very similar to the 2014 submission. Scroll down to review the 2017 submission from Real Estate Excellence. 

The committee that reviewed the minimum standards proposal in 2014 advised the Government to not introduce the laws. Read the committee report here.

 The Government have stated they wish for this bill to be passed by the end of 2017. Read the Housing Minister media release here.

Have your say about the Bill

On 10 August 2017, the Hon Michael de Brenni MP, Minister for Housing and Public Works and Minister for Sport introduced the Housing Legislation (Building Better Futures) Amendment Bill 2017 into the Queensland Parliament. In accordance with Standing Order 131, the bill was referred to the Public Works and Utilities Committee for detailed consideration. The committee is due to report by 28 September 2017.

View: Minister’s speech introducing the bill into the Queensland Parliament 

View: Housing Legislation (Building Better Futures) Amendment Bill 2017 

View: Explanatory Notes to the Housing Legislation (Building Better Futures) Amendment Bill 2017https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-committees/committees/TUC/inquiries/current-inquiries/I48HsngBetterFutures?actionId=2

The bill proposes to amend the Housing Act 2003 (Housing Act); Manufactured Homes (Residential Parks) Act 2003 (MHRP Act); Residential Services (Accreditation) Act 2002 (RSA Act); Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (RTRA Act), and Retirement Villages Act 1999 (RV Act).

The explanatory notes provide that the overarching objective of the amendments to these Acts is to ensure fairness and consumer protections for people who are either living in regulated accommodation or considering moving into these types of housing while enabling the continued viability of these industries and sectors.

A summary of the proposed amendments is provided below and further details can be found in the explanatory notes and the bill.

Call for Submissions

The committee invites submissions addressing any aspect of the bill from all interested parties.  

Guidelines for making a submission to a parliamentary committee are available here - Guide to making a submission. Please ensure your submission meets these requirements.

Closing date for written submissions is Monday, 28 August 2017 at 4:00pm

Submissions should be sent to:  

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Committee Secretary
Public Works and Utilities Committee
Parliament House
George Street
Brisbane Qld 4000
Timeline 

Public briefing:

Wednesday, 23 August 2017 - time and venue to be confirmed
Close of submissions:
Monday, 28 August, 2017 by 4:00pm

Public hearing:
Wednesday, 13 September 2017 - time and venue to be confirmed

Report to be tabled:
Thursday, 28 September 2017

Where possible, records of public proceedings of the committee eg hearings and briefings, will be available at -

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Committee Secretary
Public Works and Utilities Committee
Parliament House
George Street
Brisbane Qld 4000

Dear Committee Secretary 

Thank you for the opportunity to provide the following submission regarding the proposed minimum housing standards bill and review of the RTRA Act. 

The submission provided in 2014 as most of the feedback to provide to the committee now is identical.

I note my error and poor choice of wording, in part, in my 2014 submission regarding the regulations that "may" be introduced as opposed to all being introduced as stated (page 27 of report). Having said above, in time, Governments could introduce as many of the regulations as the committee is aware. 

More detail is required in relation to the proposed regulation, which I understand would become available once the amendment was passed (if passed). It is very difficult for many to provide tangible feedback to what I feel is the most important aspect of this bill,  without knowing the detail and possible intent of what may be regulated. 

Section 185 and 191 of the RTRA Act clearly outline lessor obligations and tenants rights to apply to tribunal for certain matters should the lessor fail in their statutory duty. I again, strongly state, as per my previous 2014 submission, the tenant abilities to take action as referenced in the previous Real Estate Excellence 2014 submission; plus referenced in the table http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/committees/THLGC/2014/INQ-RTRAA/bp-Sep2014-dept.pdf

Please note I will be making this submission public and give consent for the committee to do so if required. 

If I can be of any further assistance, please let me know. 

Kind regards,

Stacey Holt  - Company Director
Real Estate Excellence Academy Pty Ltd
www.realestateexcellence.com.au  

Summary of proposed amendments

The bill proposes to amend the RV Act and the MHRP Act to increase transparency, improve pre-contractual disclosure processes and introduce new behaviour standards in residential parks and retirement villages. A greater focus on dispute resolution is also included to provide an opportunity for issues to be resolved without having to go into a formal tribunal system.

Proposed amendments to the MHRP Act also include limitations on rental increases, prohibiting additional fees around utilities and meter readings and ensuring emergency services and health workers have access to residential parks.

Other proposed amendments to the RV Act will increase transparency in the relationships between operators and residents, and provide greater security to residents, balanced against ongoing industry viability. Greater financial transparency will be required about retirement village funds, budgets and financial statements, and will address resident and consumer advocate concerns about fees and contracts. Residents will also have greater protections around resales and exit entitlements or when there is a change in village operations. 

The proposed amendments to the RSA Act will also ensure the regulatory framework protects residents, promotes fair trading practice and encourages the growth and viability of Queensland’s residential services industry, which includes boarding houses, some aged rental accommodation and services that provide personal care.

The proposed changes are intended to: raise compliance with accreditation standards and registration requirements, ensure that operators are suitable persons and require services to have a fire safety management plan; allow publication of the registered addresses of accredited services to be avoided in cases where safety concerns may arise; and clarify some current uncontentious exemptions from registration requirements.

The RTRA Act amendment will provide a head of power for a regulation to prescribe minimum housing standards for rental accommodation in Queensland.

Prior to August 2017

2016 Labor Government Queensland Housing Strategy - the information below sourced from here

The Queensland Housing Strategy 2017-2027 is a 10-year framework driving key reforms and targeted investment across the housing continuum.

It redefines how the Queensland Government will deliver housing to support urban renewal, generate new jobs, provide affordable housing and drive innovative housing design that responds to contemporary housing needs.
It also ensures those most in need are supported by a safety net of targeted early interventions, flexible packages of support, supportive social housing, and genuine wraparound services.
By creating well-lit housing pathways, we will promote growth, enable prosperity, create connections and instil confidence, providing every Queenslander with the opportunity to fully participate in social and economic life.
 

How we got here - Consultation discussion paper

In March 2016, we released the Working together for better housing and sustainable communities (PDF, 2.5MB) discussion paper, and kicked off a comprehensive state-wide community engagement and public consultation. We talked with communities and stakeholders across the state through face-to-face engagement sessions. We also collected your feedback through written submissions and online surveys. 2016 review summary

2014 2014 RTRA Act review Parliament committee report refer to page 13 for recommendations

"The Committee has noted that while there is general acknowledgement of the need for safe rental housing, there is little support for minimum housing standards being mandated in the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008. The majority of submitters were of the view that the proposed minimum housing standards would unnecessarily duplicate existing building and health and safety standards and could lead to increased costs and red tape, adversely impacting on the availability and affordability of housing.

The Committee has been advised that the Minister is currently undertaking a review of the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 and the Committee is of the view that the Minister should assess the need for minimum housing standards to be mandated in the Act, in the context of the current broader review of the legislation.

While submitters made some valid points about ongoing repair and maintenance issues, there appears to be avenues for addressing these issues through existing legislation and standards which can be enforced by local councils and other agencies.

The Committee notes that the Minister for Housing and Public Works is currently considering a proposal to introduce an offence if a lessor does not to comply with a Tribunal order for repairs and/or maintenance and is of the view that this would provide tenants with an efficient and effective method of dealing with lessors who do not act on an order."

"Generally, the proposed options were not supported and it was noted that the main issue was around getting repairs done in a small number of cases where landlords failed to act. As a result, the RTA has proposed that the Act be amended to "introduce an offence for a lessor not to comply with a Tribunal order for repairs and/or maintenance and 40 penalty units are attached. This would be a continuing offence.… The Minister for Housing and Public Works, the Honourable Tim Mander MP, is considering the recommendations to amend the RTRA Act."

2012 2012 RTRA Act review discussion paper


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