A Private Member’s Bill seeking to impose rent freezes and caps on rent increases in Queensland is generating much debate amongst industry groups, representative bodies, and political parties. The REIQ has described the Greens proposal as ‘out of touch with reality’.

About the proposed Bill

The Bill, introduced by the Greens member for South Brisbane Dr Amy MacMahon on 1 September 2022, proposes changes to Queensland’s residential tenancies legislation to provide for:

• A two-year rent freeze for residential tenancies.
• Capping rent increases after the rent freeze period at no greater than two percent every two years.
• Rents for properties which have not been rented for over 12 months being set at an amount equal to median rent for comparable properties in the postcode.
• Financial penalties for landlords who fail to observe the rent freeze or rent caps, or who move properties from the private rental market to the short-term accommodation market during the rent freeze period.

Consultation

The Bill has been sent to Parliament’s Community Support and Services Committee which is calling for submissions. Submissions close on 31 October 2022 and the Committee is expected to hand down its report in February 2023.

We encourage interested persons to make submissions so the Queensland Government receives informed feedback from all stakeholders on these proposed changes.

Reach out to our Real Estate team for more information.