Have Your Say on Renting Reform

Sunshine Coast home owners and renters are being urged to have their say under important reforms to residential tenancy laws being undertaken by the Queensland Government.

In launching the ‘Open Doors to Renting Reform’ consultation process recently,  Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said all Queenslanders deserved a safe, secure and sustainable home while also acknowledging the many who regarded investment in rental properties as a way of securing their financial future.

Marking the first full scale review of the sector since the 1970s, the reform measures are designed to create a modern tenancy framework that protect tenants and property owners alike and improves stability in the rental market.

Some of the issues being looked at including making it easier for landlords and tenants to agree on having a pet and simplifying processes  for tenants to add finishing touches to their home without causing damage that would be costly to property owners.

The State Government says it also wants to address concerns some property owners have raised about seeing more regular inspections to properties and for repairs to be addressed more quickly to ensure their investments are protected.

The Open Doors to Renting Reform consultation program is being conducted by the Department of Housing and Public Works in conjunction with the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA).

The consultation runs from 30 September until 30 November 2018, featuring a range of activities including pop-up kiosks at markets and shopping centres where people can share their views and experience of renting in Queensland.

Information on the dates and locations of consultation events and the online survey can be found at www.qld.gov.au/rentinginqld or you can email rentinginqld@hpw.qld.gov.au or share your thoughts on social media using the hashtag #rentinginqld. 

For the best outcomes for property owners wanting well-managed properties and those living in rental accommodation to enjoy a decent standard of living, Henzells Agency is encouraging everyone to get involved and make their opinions felt.

Henzells prides itself on providing outstanding service to landlords and tenants.  Our property management department was this year given a glowing endorsement by a leading Queensland independent auditor which said it was a privilege to encounter such a well-run and healthy business, reinforcing our position as an industry leader in processes, systems, legislation and compliance.

We encourage all measures aimed at creating the best possible environment for all parties.