A final round of changes to Queensland’s rental legislation are set to take effect on May 1.

The changes complete a phase of reforms introduced under the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024.

Designed to improve transparency and fairness for all parties, the updated laws will have implications for landlords, property managers and tenants.

For tenants, the reforms aim to provide stronger safeguards around privacy and accessibility while making it easier to request minor changes that make a property feel more like a home.

Here is what is changing:

• Standardised application process: All prospective tenants must now apply using a Form 22 for general tenancies or Form R22 for rooming accommodation. Landlords and agents must provide at least two options for submitting applications, one of which must be easy and accessible, such as email or in-person delivery.
• Restrictions on information requests: Only a defined set of personal information may be requested from applicants, including identity, employment, income, rental history, and references. Landlords can no longer request bank statements, bond claim history, or legal/criminal records.
• Stronger privacy protocols: Any personal data collected must be used only for tenancy purposes and must be stored securely. Applications must be kept for at least 12 months post-tenancy.
• Clear disclosure of financial benefits: Landlords and managers must now disclose any commissions or financial incentives received in connection with third-party rent payment platforms.
• Longer entry notice periods: The minimum notice period for most property entries has increased from 24 to 48 hours. In the final stages of a tenancy, access is limited to two entries per week.
• Formal process for property modifications: Tenants may now submit a formal request (Form 23) to install fixtures or make structural changes. Landlords must respond within 28 days and may only refuse on reasonable grounds.

Kollosche head of Property Management Todd Madgwick says that while the core objective of the reforms is to create a more balanced and consistent rental experience, the adjustments will place greater responsibility on landlords and managing agents across data handling, application processing, and access procedures.

Todd says, with the changes imminent, landlords should take the time to review their existing tenancy contracts and ensure they are fully compliant with the updated requirements.

“Even if you use a property manager, it is important for landlords to be aware of the changes and any potential impact they may have,” he says.

The Kollosche Property Management team is available to guide clients through the implications of these reforms, helping both landlords and tenants to navigate the new legislation with confidence and clarity.

If you need more information about the new laws or other rental-related issues, contact a member of our team.