Queensland renting rules in 2026: what changed and what applies now

Renting law in Queensland changed a lot between 2021 and 2025. This post sets out what applies now, as at 2 November 2026, in plain words.

It is general information, not advice. Your own lease and papers decide your own case.

Rent increases: once every 12 months

Rent can go up only once in any 12 months. Since 1 July 2023 that has applied to all new and existing tenancies. Before then the gap was six months.

The 12 months run from when your current rent became payable. The RTA says this applies even if the last increase was in a different tenancy with another tenant. So a new lease does not reset the clock.

Other points from the RTA:

• In a periodic agreement (no end date), the owner or agent must give at least two months' written notice.
• In a fixed term agreement, the increase must be set out in the agreement, and they still must give written notice.
• There is no fixed percentage cap. But you can challenge an increase you think is excessive at QCAT. You usually have 30 days from the notice to apply.
• You can ask in writing for proof of the last increase. They must give it within 14 days.

Our guide on rent going up walks through the steps.

Rental bidding is banned

From 6 June 2024, rent bidding is banned. Properties must be advertised at a fixed price, and an owner or agent cannot accept offers above it. Rent in advance is also capped.

Ending a tenancy: reasons are needed, but not quite what you may think

Since 1 October 2022, an owner who wants to end a tenancy must give an approved reason. The RTA's Notice to leave (Form 12) lists them. Examples are an unfixed breach, the owner moving in, a sale, major repairs, or the end of a fixed term.

So the old "without grounds" notice no longer exists. But "end of a fixed term" is an approved reason. In practice, that means an owner can end a tenancy when a fixed term runs out, with at least two months' notice. Tenants Queensland argues this is a no-grounds ending in all but name, and wants it removed. We found no change to it as at 2 November 2026.

Notice periods vary with the reason, from 7 days for rent arrears to two months for a sale or the owner moving in. If you have received one, read a notice to leave before you do anything else.

Minimum housing standards

A rental home must be safe, secure and functional. The standards cover things like structural soundness, repairs, pest and damp control, plumbing and privacy window coverings. They started for new and renewed tenancies on 1 September 2023, and for all remaining tenancies on 1 September 2024.

If something is not up to standard, see repairs not getting done.

Bonds

• Maximum bond: since 30 September 2024, a general tenancy bond is capped at four times the weekly rent (four weeks).
• Excess bond: there is a form (Form 4b) to get back an excess bond.
• Evidence for bond claims: whoever claims or disputes a bond must give the other side supporting evidence within 14 days of lodging.
• Reletting costs: these are worked out on the time left on the agreement.

More on this in getting my bond back.

Other changes from 2024 and 2025

From 30 September 2024, you must be offered two ways to pay rent, and one must not cost more than usual bank fees. You must receive utility bills within four weeks, or in most cases you do not have to pay them.

From 1 May 2025:

• Rental applications must use a standard form, with at least two ways to submit.
• Entry notice for most reasons went from 24 hours to 48 hours. General inspections still need 7 days' notice.
• After a notice to leave or a notice of intention to leave, entries are limited to two in any seven days, with exceptions.
• You can ask for approval to make fixtures or structural changes using a form (Form 23). The owner must reply in 28 days.

Portable bonds: not in force

You may have heard about a portable bond, which would let you move your bond to a new place. It was part of the reform package passed in 2024, but it has not started. Tenants Queensland said in June 2026 that it has not been implemented. The RTA has not announced a start date that we could find.

Who to call

Tenants Queensland runs a free statewide phone advice service for tenants on 1300 744 263. The RTA also runs a dispute resolution service. Both can look at your lease. Our list of free legal help in Queensland has more.