Australia is seeing major tenancy reforms roll out across different states. In Queensland further changes under the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 begin from May 1 2025. These changes include standardized application forms limits on personal information requests and stricter notice rules for inspections. The goal is to give tenants clearer rights and fairer treatment in the rental process.
National Trends and Reform Directions
- The Better Deal for Renters national push is gaining traction. It encourages banning rent bidding standardizing rental applications and ensuring proper grounds for eviction.
- A proposed portable bond scheme aims to let renters transfer bond amounts between leases without paying twice. It will also allow tenants to earn interest on bonds which could amount to more than AUD 2600 over a decade. This scheme has begun in NSW and Victoria and may expand across the country.
State by State Snapshot
New South Wales (NSW)
- No grounds evictions are ending which means landlords need valid reasons to terminate a lease
- Pet requests must be answered within 21 days. Silence means approval. Owners cannot refuse pets based on blanket bans or demand extra bond or rent for pets
- Rent payment by bank transfer with no fee must be offered. Centrepay must also be made available if requested
- Eviction evidence rollback has caused debate. A reform that required landlords to provide evidence for evictions due to renovations was removed only a month after being introduced.
Queensland (QLD)
From May 1 2025 these apply
- Standard Form 22 for rental applications
- Landlords may only ask for essentials such as ID income rental history pets and vehicle details
- At least two submission options for applications must be provided with one unrestricted. Restricted means options like paid online platforms
- Entry notice must now be at least 48 hours for general inspections safety checks and non emergencies
- Post termination entries are limited to two per week unless emergencies occur or the tenant agrees
South Australia (SA)
- A new Form A1 rental application will be mandatory from September 1 2025 and fully in effect by January 1 2026. It brings standardization to the rental process
Victoria (VIC)
- Tenants have rights related to bond returns condition reports property standards notice of entry and termination rules
- Services like Tenants Victoria and Consumer Affairs Victoria provide support for renters
- Disputes such as wrongful bond withholding can be taken to VCAT which handles thousands of cases each year
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
- Rent increases are capped at one per year limited to 110 percent of the CPI. Tenants can challenge increases through ACAT
Read More: What Can I Do About Mould? A Complete Guide for Homes in 2025
Rights and Responsibilities at a Glance
Tenant Rights
- Safe clean and healthy homes
- Quiet enjoyment and proper notice before entry
- Fair termination rules with valid reasons required
- Reasonable access to pets and bank fee free payment options
- Fair and transparent rental applications
- Low cost dispute resolution through bodies like VCAT RTA and Tenant Unions
Tenant Responsibilities
- Pay rent on time
- Keep the property clean and reasonably maintained
- Follow lease terms including notice periods and renovation rules
- Provide accurate application details
Practical Tips for Renters
- Document everything with photos especially condition reports to protect bond claims
- Ask for help early from tenant unions and community legal centres that offer free advice
- If facing eviction or bond disputes consider lodging a case through VCAT or RTA
- Use multiple application options and avoid paying fees on restricted platforms
- Track application deadlines since NSW pet requests auto approve after 21 days if unanswered
- Stay informed since reforms are constantly evolving
FAQs
Q: Can my landlord refuse my pet request
A: Only for specific reasons such as safety or council rules. If they do not reply within 21 days in NSW the request is approved.
Q: How long must a landlord wait before entering my home
A: In Queensland from May 1 2025 it is 48 hours notice for most entries except emergencies.
Q: What information can landlords ask during applications
A: Only basic items such as identity income rental history pets and vehicles. They cannot ask about legal dispute history or past bond claims.
Q: How can I dispute wrongful bond deductions
A: You can use tenant advocacy services or take the matter to a tribunal such as VCAT.
