Rental sector code of conduct – proposed reform
The Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 proposes reforms to strengthen renters’ rights and stabilise rents. The Bill is not yet law and has been referred to the Housing, Big Build and Manufacturing Parliamentary Committee for consideration.
Code of conduct
Under the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (RTRA Act), there are limited options for renters to challenge undesirable and unprofessional practices by rental property owners and property managers, other than ending their tenancy.
The feedback we’ve received about rental experiences in Queensland has highlighted concerns about poor conduct in the residential rental sector.
Renters are concerned about:
- unnecessary churn of tenancy agreements
- a perceived power imbalance in rental relationships
- poor communication
- misinformation creating confusion about rental laws.
Rental property owners are concerned about:
- poor communication
- property managers’ respect for renters
- property managers’ ability to manage poor renter behaviour and protect their asset.
As an intermediary, a property manager’s role is not always easy. Some experience poor behaviour from both renters and rental property owners.
The Bill proposes to establish an authorising environment for a new Rental Sector Code of Conduct to be established. The code will be developed in consultation with the rental sector and will be established by regulation.
The code may set minimum conduct standards for property managers, rental property owners and renters to strengthen the rules and make the expectations of all parties clearer.
Penalty provisions will apply for non-compliance with the code. The Residential Tenancies Authority will be responsible for enforcing compliance with the code.