Effective May 1, 2025, Queensland’s rental landscape has undergone significant reforms. At Hinterland Realty, we believe in keeping our clients and community informed about these changes to ensure smooth and compliant property transactions.
🔑 Key Changes in Rental Laws
As part of the Stage 2 rental law reforms introduced across Queensland, new rules have been enacted to promote transparency, privacy, and fairness in the rental sector. These changes affect how tenancies are established, managed, and ended—and Hinterland Realty is committed to leading the way in compliance and education for both landlords and tenants.
📄 Standardised Tenancy Application Form
A prescribed tenancy application form is now mandatory. Property managers are restricted to requesting only information listed on this standard form. This includes basic identity, rental history, and references—but does not require applicants to submit additional documents unless absolutely necessary.
Notably, Verification of Identity (VOI) is no longer a requirement, which has sparked industry-wide concern over potential increases in tenancy fraud or false identities. While optional, Hinterland Realty continues to recommend VOI to ensure proper tenant screening and protect our landlords.
What this means for you:
- Tenants are offered greater privacy and consistency during the application process.
- Landlords may experience changes in the depth of information they receive when screening applicants.
- We are introducing additional best practices internally to maintain high vetting standards.
🚪 Extended Entry Notice Periods
The minimum notice period for property entry has increased from 24 hours to 48 hours. Furthermore, when a Notice to Leave (Form 12) or Notice of Intention to Leave (Form 13) has been issued, entry is restricted to two visits per seven-day period.
This ensures tenants have sufficient notice and privacy during inspections or viewings, especially as they prepare to vacate.
How we’re adjusting:
- Our team has updated all internal systems to reflect the new timeframes.
- We’re working with landlords to manage end-of-lease inspections and re-leasing strategies without breaching access limits.
- Tenants will receive digital and written entry notifications to remain fully informed.
🛠️ Tenant Requests for Property Modifications
Tenants now have the right to request fixtures, fittings, or minor structural changes, such as installing picture hooks, safety rails, or shelving.
Landlords must respond in writing within seven days, and cannot unreasonably refuse modifications that do not pose a risk to the property or its value.
What this means:
- Tenants can personalise their homes within reason, enhancing livability.
- Landlords retain the right to review and approve modifications, and may include reasonable conditions (e.g., professional installation, restoration at vacate).
- Hinterland Realty will manage all modification requests through a formal and trackable process for clarity and protection on both sides.
💸 Disclosure of Third-Party Financial Benefits
Property managers are now legally required to disclose any financial or commercial benefit they receive from third-party rent payment platforms, insurance providers, or utility connection services.
This is a major step toward greater transparency in agent-tenant relationships and ensures tenants are not unknowingly contributing to hidden costs.
Our commitment:
- All clients will be clearly informed of any commercial arrangements we hold.
- Tenants will receive full disclosure on rent payment options and associated fees, if any.
- Our preferred suppliers have been vetted for compliance and fairness.
🔐 Collection, Storage, and Destruction of Personal Information
New standards have been introduced for how tenant personal information is collected, stored, and ultimately destroyed. This aligns with best practices under privacy law, reducing the risk of data breaches or misuse.
Agencies must ensure:
- Information is collected lawfully and securely.
- Data is only kept for as long as necessary, after which it must be destroyed.
- Tenants are notified of how and why their information is collected.
How Hinterland Realty is responding:
- We’ve upgraded our cloud-based storage systems with enhanced encryption.
- Staff are receiving updated training on digital privacy practices.
- We’ve implemented regular audit schedules to ensure no outdated data is retained beyond required timeframes.
🛠️ How Hinterland Realty Is Adapting
With over 25 years of local experience and a strong reputation across the Gold Coast, Hinterland Realty is proud to lead the way in responsible property management. Here’s how we’re ensuring compliance with the latest reforms:
✅ Our team is undergoing comprehensive training on all new legislation.
✅ We’ve updated all documentation, procedures, and software platforms to reflect the changes.
✅ We’re working closely with landlords to explain their new obligations and help them stay compliant.
✅ Tenants are being supported with clearer processes, more transparent communication, and accessible forms.
We are committed to maintaining the highest standard of care for both our landlords and tenants. These changes may bring adjustments, but they also offer opportunities for greater trust, transparency, and professionalism within our industry—and Hinterland Realty is ready.
📞 Need Assistance?
If you have questions or need guidance on how these changes affect you as a landlord or tenant, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’re here to help you navigate these reforms smoothly.
Contact Us:
📧 Email: admin@nerangpropertymanagement.com.au
📞 Phone: 07 5578 2311
Stay informed, stay compliant, and let Hinterland Realty be your trusted partner in the evolving Queensland rental market.