Events

30th October 2025 - Industry update - CPD update from Stacey Holt Real Estate Excellence (emailed)

Good morning Members of Real Estate Excellence and Industry, the latest Real Estate Excellence Industry Updates email.

I have written and presented education and training for our wonderful industry since 2002 as part of my career journey. About Us

I have always written and presented training based on the needs and wants of the industry at the time. I have long identified the needs and wants of training and education requirements through my membership services and common issues, misunderstandings etc. plus new and or changed legislation affecting our sector.

Further to my CPD statement June 2025 (link below), given my long-term successful needs and wants basis for education and training, the current CPD model does not suit my business, nor my passion for the industry.  For my sessions to be approved by the OFT, they need to be approved by them. This in my opinion means 'generic' and repeat sessions. Whilst I support CPD for our industry and have long been an advocate for education and training, I do not support generic repeat sessions. Having said this, I do note there are many providers who have been approved by the OFT of which the industry can choose from. Read more at Mandatory CPD Professional Development

I continue to offer private Training services in your agency and have been delivering for a number of offices prior, and since CPD commenced. I will also monitor in time feedback from the Industry and Membership services - Real Estate Excellence as to support for NON-CPD training and educational events. If you have any questions, be sure to email/Contact Us.

Reminder - Thank a Property Manager Day - Friday 28th November 2025 - Special one day event if you can join us! Or celebrate otherwise!

 The 13th year of celebrating this special day.  Stacey Holt first 'invented this special day' in 2012. A day to celebrate the last Friday of November each year to celebrate the amazing work that property managers do for our communities, our agencies and for our industry. Thank you.

Celebrate with us, or with your office! For more information visit Thank a Property Manager Day one day special event ( a handful of tickets are still available for our special event).

Reminder for Members of Real Estate Excellence – visit  Real Estate Excellence Member Updates for latest information.

Stacey Holt

Best practice advisor and educator/ CEO/ Business owner

Proudly operating since January 2010 

www.realestateexcellence.com.au

Thank a Property Manager Day special one day event 28th November 2025

23rd September 2025 - Tips for using AI tools when researching Queensland tenancy law from the RTA

1. Double-check the information you’re given

The best thing you can do when using AI is double-check the information. AI can help when you’re researching a new topic, but it may not provide correct or in-depth information.

Instead, you could use AI to help learn the basics of a topic and then find detailed information on the RTA website.

2. Check the sources used by the AI

Most AI tools supply the sources they use to generate an answer. If you click on the source links, tools like ChatGPT and Google’s AI Overviews will highlight the text that was referenced. In the example below, the text that’s highlighted in purple was referenced by an AI tool:

Image

Remember: AI can generate answers using more than one source. Just because it used information from one good website (like the RTA website), doesn’t mean the AI-generated answer is correct. For example, when AI is asked about Queensland tenancy law, it may provide information from other states and territories where rental laws can be different.

3. Avoid using AI for legal processes

AI tools may give step-by-step instructions for legal processes, but the information is often incomplete. Here’s an example of AI giving the incorrect steps when asked about goods and documents left behind:

The way you handle goods and documents left behind depends on the type of tenancy agreement used. In this example, we covered the rules for General tenancy agreements (Form 18a), but this may not apply to Moveable dwelling tenancy agreements (Form 18b) or Rooming accommodation agreements (Form R18).

4. Avoid sharing personal details

Never share personal details with AI. That information may be stored or used to improve how AI works. You don’t have any control over how that information is used or where it’s kept, and you can’t delete it.

If you have a question and need to provide your personal details, please contact the RTA. The RTA has a privacy plan that sets out how we collect, use and store personal information.

5. Contact the RTA if you’re unsure

We recommend using the RTA website or contacting us if you have questions about Queensland tenancy law. We provide information and support that’s tailored to you, so we can help answer any questions you may have.

You’re welcome to make suggestions for information you’d like to see on the RTA website, or ways we can improve our content.

Helpful ways to use AI

Here are some of the ways AI may be able to help with managing your tenancy. AI can be used to:

• write emails to your property manager/owner, e.g. when asking questions or requesting repairs
• organise information into clear categories and subheadings
• find links to useful information on Queensland Government websites.

As long as you double-check that the AI is correct, it may be a useful tool for understanding your rental rights and responsibilities.

Sourced from www.rta.qld.gov.au 

23rd September 2025 - Are you thinking of using Artificial Intelligence to produce documents for QCAT?

Litigants, and representatives of litigants, should exercise caution in using artificial intelligence (AI) tools  to help prepare court documents.

If you are thinking about using AI, please read our information on Using AI in QCAT matters.

Sourced from www.qcat.qld.gov.au 

18th August - Email sent to Industry mailing list RTRA new regulations

11th August - Email sent to Industry Mailing new regarding the new RTRA regulations

Good morning

An email I sent the Department of Housing regarding the new RTRA regulation 10^th August 2025 is following and is further to the email I sent last week, Real Estate Excellence Industry Updates plus a separate email sent to  Real Estate Excellence members with detailed information regarding the changes with more to come Real Estate Excellence Member Updates

 

This email has very useful information in assisting all the industry to prepare for the 1 September changes. Please review when you can. Link to the new regulations Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Regulation 2025 - Queensland Legislation - Queensland Government

Platinum PME and Platinum NON PME member offices Membership services - Real Estate Excellence

Due to the changes to the RTRA regulations, many best practice forms and templates have and or are being updated ready for 1 September 2025. All Form 11 Notice to Remedy breach templates have been updated and are at Member Online login now, folder 12 breaches chapter. The previous version had references to the Form 18a standard term clauses. Given many of these are being renumbered as part of the September 1 Form 18a changes, the templates have been updated to cite the section of the RTRA Act which has not changed. 

Most of the PME chapters had references to the clauses of the Form 18a so all chapters are being updated to reflect this change. All of the 39  chapters of PME system - Platinum PME membership Real Estate Excellence manual will have a new version on 1st September 2025. 

We shall continue to update relevant members on the changes to above, and the regulations. 

 

The following has been posted on all my social media and my long running blog Queensland tenancy law reform /changes

I requested an urgent meeting Thursday 7th August regarding the RTRA Regulations commencing 1 September 2025. I thank the Department for the quick response on Friday 8th August for meeting with several senior staff and senior RTA staff. The earliest for the meeting was Friday 15th August.

Given that is only two weeks until the new regulations commence, I decided to write this email of which I have advised I will be sharing publicly for the benefit of Real Estate Excellence members and my industry to assist with much needed education and awareness.

Email - Thank you for the meeting this coming Friday 1.30pm. In the interests of everyone’s time, plus the likely outcome of the meeting only being the feedback I have written below, please cancel the meeting in lieu of the feedback regarding the regulations below.

I was greatly surprised to see the significant changes made to the General Tenancy Agreement without notice. The stakeholder consultation recently held did not mention the possible significant changes to the renumbering of many of the standard term clauses, nor the addition of new clauses which are significant matters such as the allowance of text messaging and the change to electronic communication as opposed to email address.

The industry feedback has already been I thought the changes were over? What is this? We know nothing about this? I will be sharing my feedback and concerns in this email to my members and the sector, including social media plus adding to my long running rental law blog on my website. I will not share any email from the Department and or RTA without requesting if necessary and obtaining express consent.

I did not advise my members nor the industry in general about the changes to the regulations coming as there was no indication of the significance of the changes during the brief consultation period. We have had a number of updates to the Form 18a over these last three years whilst the rental reforms were rolled out, but nothing like what is happening now. Whilst these changes to the regulations are not as substantial as the past rental reforms, the change is significant for the sector and practice.

I further note the explanatory notes (extract below) in summary makes no mention of the changes to text messaging, renumbering and new clauses, plus the movement of several Item numbers. We were not asked feedback on these matters.

 

Consultation

 

Between 28 April and 16 May 2025, stakeholders were invited to provide feedback on;

• the efficiency, effectiveness and impact on competition of the 2009 Regulation
• some proposals to modernise and clarify specific provisions of the 2009 Regulation.

 

 

Feedback received through this consultation demonstrated there is an ongoing need for the RTRA Regulation, and it is generally operating efficiently and effectively. However, it was identified that some updates are necessary to ensure fees and values remain relevant and some improvements could be made to enhance effectiveness and improve clarification.

 

In response to this feedback, the RTRA Regulation;

• clarifies ‘good repair’ of a fixture in a Minimum Housing Standard by including an example
• clarifies residents’ rights in relation to quiet enjoyment in the house rules
• includes emergency contact details for renters as part of required details of rental agreements
• has updated market values for abandoned goods
• includes a market value for abandoned caravans and their contents, and a reduced storage period for abandoned caravans and their contents
• does not include the term State authority
• has a new fee calculation for sale or attempted sale of caravans.

Feedback and concerns in no order of priority

 

The emergency contact details being a required detail in the tenancy agreement from 1 September 2025.

 

              The sector will be greatly confused and will require education and information on this matter. This will include tenants. The concern is since the emergency contact field was inserted in the agreement from June 2024 as part of the past rental law reforms (stage 2, part1), it has been widely known and understood that the tenant does not have to provide the information. Given it will be some 15 months later, re-education and understanding will be widely needed. A missed opportunity is the inclusion in the regulations as to the two reasons why the emergency contact detail for the tenant is required and not to be used for any other purpose by lessor/agent.

Previous to this new addition in June 2024 on the agreement, plus the subsequent rental application form 22 from May 1 2025, common practice of the industry was to obtain ‘next of kin’ and or emergency contact details for the tenant. This was used for a myriad of reasons including if the tenant abandoned the property, and QCAT paperwork could be sent to the contact details as at that time, a postal address was requested in addition to email. Tribunal now accept email addresses in some situations as you would be aware.

Missed opportunity for necessary amendments to the Form 22 – rental application form

 

          It is most unfortunate that the Department did not take this opportunity to consider much needed amendments to the rental application form laws which could have been done via the regulation. I have provided extensive detail in the past so will no repeat in the communique. I note the email received from you recently circling back on our meeting in May and that the Department is monitoring the situation.

Water invoice change to time frame for tenants

 

The change from one month to 4 weeks is not as significant as other matters (refer to paragraph below) but will be some confusion. The saving grace is that if there is error and use of the previous one month for agreements after 1 September breaches and or communication with tenants, the agent would have given more notice than needed (the one month as opposed to the new four weeks). I must add that in my many submissions to the past review, I did urge the one month be changed to 4 weeks to have consistency with the new lessor passing on the document time frame being 4 weeks. It is unfortunate that the lessor new water document laws only began September 30, 2024, and a missed opportunity for education and compliance to have not made the change for tenants to 4 weeks at the same time.

 

Renumbering of clauses, new clauses and education concerns – transitional provisions

The majority of the sector have pre-populated merge templates for procedures. This includes breaches. The most common breach is for rent arrears which will not be affected via the regulation change. A complete re-education will be needed for the re numbered clauses and the new clauses. The main concern is the pre-populated templates for breaches other than rent which commonly have the standard term clause number for the breach in the details.

Education and information will be greatly needed on this and the understanding that the sector cannot automate any breach in their systems as it will depend on when the rental agreement was entered into. One example is the tenant obligation clause – currently clause 26 which from September 1 will be clause 25.

The new electronic communication and new clause 48 is also factored into this concern. Given it will only apply to new agreements from 1 September, the sector will need to clearly understand this fact via the RTA. I must add I have always, and particularly now it is in the regulations, will advocate for not using text messaging as a form of notices, communication and or serving of approved forms. I believe this is fraught with danger, mis communication, mis understanding, bad record keeping and disputes. I will be advocating communication only be via post, hand delivery and email (email if relevant law requirements are adhered to), and to only use text messaging as a ‘secondary’ to confirm entry notice etc.

Another concern for this matter is agents issuing breaches for matters using the wrong clause number, and the matter proceed to notice to leave for unremedied breach other than rent. Should the matter end up in Tribunal, how will sitting members view a clause being incorrect due to the renumbering given the Act is silent on defects to breaches, as opposed to having provision for defects in the notice to leave. Should these errors occur by the sector, albeit technical, the clause will still be incorrect referencing of a legal document and breach. It will be a possible matter of concern and of interest to observe in time.

I understand the RTA are working on the new Form 18a and updates to the website of which I will share with my members, the sector via social media and my website blog.

If there are any questions, and or clarifications needed on my feedback and concerns, I always welcome further contact and consultation.

Thank you and will leave your end to cancel the meeting as you deem fit.

Stacey Holt

Best practice advisor and educator/ CEO/ Business owner

Proudly operating since January 2010 

www.realestateexcellence.com.au

Thank a Property Manager Day special one day event 28^th November 2025

  

Real Estate Excellence offers private training in your agency Training services 

Latest Real Estate Excellence Member Update

 

 

4th August 2025 - new RTRA Regulations released, new Form 18a coming and more

The RTRA Act regulations were due to expire *by law, hence we have new regulations commencing 1 September 2025. Watch video The new RTRA regulations commencing 1 September 2025.

Review at Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Regulation 2025 - Queensland Legislation - Queensland Government 

There are a number of changes commencing 1^st September 2025, including a new Form 18a to come.

Members of Real Estate Excellence – we are currently reviewing the changes and will provide more information via the August email Real Estate Excellence Member Updates service.

31st July 2025 - Agency fined $10,000 for unlawful entry and tenant privacy breaches

A Gold Coast real estate agency has been fined $10,000 for an agent’s unlawful entry and breach of tenants’ privacy under Queensland rental laws.

On 16 July 2025, the agency was found guilty in the Southport Magistrates Court of two breaches of the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (the RTRA Act), namely:

• unlawful entry (section 202(a))
• interference with tenants’ reasonable privacy (section 183(2)).

The maximum penalty for each offence when committed by a corporation is $15,480. 

The agency appeared before Magistrate Gary Finger who fined the agency $10,000 for both offences and ordered the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) be paid its costs totalling $4,713.10. A conviction was not recorded.

The RTA had issued the company with a penalty infringement notice (PIN) in February 2024 for unlawful entry after investigating the tenants’ complaint about an alleged breach. The agency chose to contest the matter in court.

The magistrates court heard that the agency, through its agent, had issued an Entry notice (Form 9) to the two tenants on 8 February 2024. The notice advised that the agent would be at the rental property at 8:00am the following day with a maintenance worker to carry out repairs or maintenance.

The tenants, who had confirmed their consent to the proposed 8:00am entry for maintenance issues, had previously notified the agent about a blocked outdoor drainpipe, a rusted garage door and locks on the front and rear sliding doors.

On 9 February 2024, the agent entered the rental property alone before 8:00am when the tenants were not home. The tenants were notified of the agent’s presence in the house via an alert to their mobile phones from two CCTV cameras they had installed with the agent’s approval. The cameras recorded the agent’s movements while inside the property and notified the tenants that the agent entered the front door at 7.38am and appeared at the back door at 7:50am.

The agent walked through the house, opened closed bedroom doors, entered bedrooms and took photographs. The agent also took photographs of the utility room, toilet and bathroom, as well as windows and doors inside and other areas outside the rental property. The agent subsequently emailed the photos that had been taken to the tenants.

The maintenance contractor entered the premises about 9am to attend to the maintenance issues.

Magistrate Finger found that the timestamped CCTV footage was evidence of the agent contravening the rules of entry. He said the agent had ‘clearly exceeded [the agent’s] authority to enter’ by entering the premises and conducting a general inspection and taking photographs that were not required for the maintenance issues.

‘I reject [the agent’s] evidence that [the agent] had to take photographs of different rooms so [the agent] could obtain details of what was required for repairs. There was absolutely no need or authorisation for [the agent] to wander around the house, taking photographs that were not necessary. It was an inspection of sorts, nothing more, nothing less.’

Magistrate Finger said the agent ‘disrespected and violated the tenant’s privacy in their own home’.

‘By opening the doors of the bedrooms and other rooms, [the agent] was clearly interfering with the privacy of both tenants, again without authorisation or justification.’

Acting RTA Chief Executive Officer Kristin Spruce said the RTRA Act was clear about the rules around entry to a property and the tenant’s right to privacy and enjoyment of the rental property.

'Queensland’s tenancy laws protect the rights of all parties involved in a tenancy. Serious offences will result in enforcement action by the RTA which can result in a PIN being issued or a criminal prosecution against an individual or a corporation,’ Ms Spruce said.

‘In this contested matter, the magistrate found clear evidence of breaches of the RTRA Act. The outcome is a warning to other agents of the consequences of not meeting their legal obligations.’
 More information

Learn more about RTA investigations and offences that attract a penalty under the RTRA Act.

For more information about renting in Queensland, explore the RTA website or contact the RTA. Sourced from www.rta.qld.gov.au  

26th June 2025 - Email sent to Industry Mailing list

Good morning, I wish you all the best for the upcoming End of Financial Year. Plus, wishing you all success in the coming new Financial Year.

A particular thank you to Members of Real Estate Excellence. Your business and support are greatly valued and appreciated.

Non-Members – I hope you gain benefit from these free industry updates. Thank you for being on our Real Estate Excellence Industry Updates list. Members of Real Estate Excellence are also on this mailing list plus receive Real Estate Excellence Member Updates email (and more) as part of membership services.

Membership services from Real Estate Excellence can great assist your team, and your business. There are four options for Real Estate Excellence Membership Services depending on your agency needs, wants and budget.  The Membership Services Agreement outlines the services and benefits, plus the investment costs. Please email us to review the agreement with no obligation, and only one follow up a few days after sent if not signed up prior.

Membership services - Real Estate Excellence

ATO Rental properties information

The following link would be useful to give to your investors if you see the benefit.

Rental properties guide 2025 | Australian Taxation Office – the following may also be of benefit to you, your team and your clients Avoiding tax scams

Latest on CPD

While mandatory CPD for the Queensland property industry began on 6 June 2025, not everyone will need to begin completing CPD right away. Your CPD start date will depend on when you were first issued your current licence or registration.

To find when CPD will begin for you, simply enter the date your licence or registration was first issued into the Office of Fair Trading’s (OFT) CPD year calculator. You can find that date on your licence or registration certificate). Read more at Mandatory CPD for Queensland property agents has begun!

Thank a Property Manager Day special one day event and date reminder. Thank a Property Manager Day special one day event 28^th November 2025

The special day is a WORLDWIDE thank you, but the special one-day event is Queensland legislation focused.

Our Day - The Secret to Your Success.

Session 1 9.30am to 11am

The key to property management success. Stacey will focus on the 5 steps to success for everyday property management. We will go through the steps and the foundation for success.

Morning tea 11am to 11.30am 

Session 2 11.30am to 1pm 

We shall continue the secret and key to success using practical examples focusing on rent arrears, lease renewals and end of tenancy best practice procedures. The Focus will be on the legislation, time management, risk management and best practice.

Lunch 1pm to 1.45pm

 Session 3 1.45pm to 3.30pm 

These new laws... so much has happened in the last four years in relation to changes to the RTRA Act. Stacey will do a Q and A on myths, misunderstandings and what are the facts. 

The Venue is Brisbane International Hotel – Hotels ~ Motels ~ Apartments - Accommodation, if required, can be booked directly with the venue Brisbane International Hotel –  close to the Airport, close to the Gateway from North, South and West attendees. Guests can include the promo code “direct” to receive a 10% discount.

Investment per person. Includes morning tea and working lunch. Including GST.

PME Member $240 

Platinum non PME member $250

Advisory / Gold member $275

Non-member $299

Register Thank a Property Manager Day 2025- PME SPECIAL ONE DAY EVENT Registration, Fri 28/11/2025 at 9:00 am | Eventbrite and or email us with name/email of attendee for us to register to save the third-party online booking platform fee.

Please all terms and conditions prior to registering for this event. 

If you prefer to register via email instead of registering using the online portal, please email the name/s of attendees, plus their email address/es to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We shall register the attendees for you. The booking fee charged by the online portal will not be charged.

Thank a Property Manager Day is a day 'invented' by Stacey Holt in 2012. A day that is long overdue to celebrate.  The day is celebrated on the last Friday of November each year. 

The next date is Friday 28th November 2025.  A day for all to stop, think, and celebrate the wonderful role property managers play in our industry, communities and society.  Organise a breakfast, lunch, morning tea, something, and stop, reflect,  and say thank you career managers of tenancy and property. Even if you have to thank yourself (if that is the case, contact me and I will thank you!).  OR Join Me to celebrate you at our special event below.

Thank a Property Manager Day 28th November  special one day event (held in Brisbane).

Thank a Property Manager Day 2025- PME SPECIAL ONE DAY EVENT Registration, Fri 28/11/2025 at 9:00 am | Eventbrite

In relation to CPD,  please read the Stacey Holt Real Estate Excellence PME training and CPD statement  Mandatory CPD Professional Development 6 June 2025. There are no CPD points available at this stage for this special event.

Read more including terms and condition for the event prior to registration, visit Thank a Property Manager Day special one day event

Stacey Holt

Best practice advisor and educator/ CEO/ Business owner

Proudly operating since January 2010 

www.realestateexcellence.com.au

Thank a Property Manager Day special one day event 28^th November 2025

  

Real Estate Excellence offers private training in your agency Training services 

Latest Real Estate Excellence Member Update

27th May 2025 - Crisafulli Government delivers fresh start to QCAT Act review after major Labor delays

14th May 2025 - Owner-occupiers renting out rooms

Owner-occupiers can rent out room(s) or part of their property while living there. New laws mean this option is also available to people who have accessed certain transfer (stamp) duty concessions, including first home buyer grants or concessions.

Before you enter a rental agreement, check if the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (the Act) applies.

When renting out part of a property, the rental agreement may be partially or completely covered under the Act, depending on:

• how many rooms are rented or available for rent
• if a self-contained secondary dwelling is rented or available for rent
• whether a rental bond is taken. 

Below is a guide to help property owners and tenants/residents understand their obligations under the Act. 

Read more at Owner-occupiers renting out rooms | Residential Tenancies Authority

10th April 2025 - Queensland solar program aims to reduce power bills for renters

Following from the ABC website Queensland solar program aims to reduce power bills for renters - ABC News