The Queensland Government has passed legislation to limit rent increases to once a year to give Queenslander tenants a fairer go.
Amendments to the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008, through the Local Government Electoral and Other Legislation (Expenditure Caps) Amendment Bill 2022, will limit the frequency of rent increases from every six months to once a year for residential tenancies and rooming accommodation agreements.
Deputy Premier, Steven Miles says the amendments will bring Queensland into line with other Australian jurisdictions and balance the rights and interests of Queenslanders who rent, and property owners and investors to maintain rental supply.
“For most households, rent would be the biggest single expense in their household budget. The Government is taking immediate action to support renters now,” said Mr Miles.
“The majority of landlords do the right thing, but talking immediate action will protect Queensland renters from landlords who aren’t operating fairly.
It was one of several housing policy reforms to come out of the Government’s Housing Roundtable.
The Parliament also passed legislation setting caps on electoral expenditure for local government in Queensland, bringing the sector into line with a similar rules for state electoral spending and delivering on a State Government 2020 election commitment.
“Electoral expenditure caps will ensure there is a fair opportunity for anyone to participate in local government elections,” said Mr Miles.
“We already have so many great councillors who are dedicated to their local communities and this change means more Queenslanders will have the best representation on their councils, as well as the opportunity to stand for election.”
The caps will apply for the March 2024 Local Government elections.
Further information on Local Government electoral expenditure caps is available here.
