New rental laws have been passed in Queensland Parliament overnight.

The new laws are in response to COVID-19 and include measures to protect tenants.

The laws apply to both private and commercial tenants.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk told Parliament last night that while not a “panacea for everything,” the new laws were “timely and flexible measures.”

“The COVID-19 emergency is evolving. There is nothing stopping us from coming back to Parliament at some later date and changing the sunset requirements as the situation demands.”

What Are The New Laws

• Tenants are protected from eviction if they are struggling to pay their rent.
• Fixed term tenancy agreements must be extended (if the tenant wants to stay on) until the end of September.

For tenants who are struggling to pay their rent, they must be able to demonstrate that their income has been reduced by 25% or more due to COVID-19, or where rental payments total 30% or more of the reduced household income.

While both sides of politics agreed to pass the new laws last night, the State Opposition argued it would hurt “mum and dad” investors who owned rental properties.

How We Can Help

Quinn & Scattini have a wealth of experience in preparing, reviewing and negotiating leases, and also in handling unusual circumstances and disputes. Even though leasing can be complex, we communicate with you in plain English and we are upfront with you about cost.

Our team of lawyers are experts in their field and go above-and-beyond to deliver the best result, each and every time. We are proud to provide 5 star customer service to our clients.

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Read more about our expert commercial leasing lawyers here.

Get In Touch

Get the best representation. Contact Quinn & Scattini Lawyers on 1800 999 529, email mail@rmold.newwebsite.live or submit an enquiry below.

We are available to meet with you at any of our local offices (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Beenleigh, Cleveland and Jimboomba) or by telephone or video-conference.

Reference

Fraser, K, “Queensland Parliament passes new rental laws among string of Covid-19 measures”, The Courier Mail, 22 April 2020

This article is for your information and interest only. It is not intended to be comprehensive, and it does not constitute and must not be relied on as legal advice. You must seek specific advice tailored to your circumstances.