Your Tenancy Agreement - Your Rights and Protections

‍

Before renting a place in Queensland, your lessor, agent, or provider must provide you with a written agreement that meets the requirements of the Act. The only exception is for short tenancies in a moveable dwelling park.

‍

If you are not given a written agreement, don't worry! The Act still applies to your tenancy, ensuring you have legal protection.

‍

Agreements need key info like party names and contact details, premise address, rent amount, and other relevant terms. Your lessor or provider mustn't include any additional terms that contradict what the Act specifies.

‍

The RTA offers standard agreement forms suitable for different types of accommodation:

‍

• Residential Tenancies: The General Tenancy Agreement (Form 18a) applies if you rent a house or unit.
• Rooming Accommodation: Both providers and residents have the option to sign either a Rooming Accommodation Agreement (Form R18) or a General Tenancy Agreement (Form 18a).
• Caravan Parks: If you rent in a caravan park, you will have a long tenancy moveable dwelling agreement for the site or a caravan and the site, covered by the Moveable Dwelling Tenancy Agreement (Form 18b).

‍

If you plan to stay in a caravan park for less than 42 days, you and the lessor can agree to a short tenancy moveable dwelling agreement. This agreement can only be extended once for an additional 42 days, and certain provisions of the Act may not apply to short tenancy agreements.

‍

‍

Essential Inclusions in Your Tenancy or Lease Agreement

‍

Your tenancy or lease agreement is a critical foundation for a successful rental experience. Include these key details in the agreement to ensure clarity and protection for both tenants and property managers/owners:

‍

• Tenant and Property Manager/Owner Information: Provide the tenant's name and address, as well as the property manager's or owner's name and address.
• Start and End Dates: Specify the start and end date of the agreement, or indicate if it is a periodic agreement with no fixed end date.
• Rent Payment Details: Outline how the tenant should pay rent and the exact amount to be paid.
• Nominated Repairer Contacts: Provide contact details for nominated repairers for maintenance and repairs.
• Standard Terms: Clearly define the standard terms of the agreement, encompassing what both the tenant and property manager/owner can and cannot do during the tenancy.
• Special Terms: Include any special terms or conditions agreed upon in advance by both parties.

‍

A well-crafted tenancy agreement QLD sets the stage for a smooth and positive rental experience for all parties.

‍

The General Tenancy Agreement in Queensland

‍

The Tenancy Agreement QLD is a legally binding contract between you, the lessor, and the tenant. Rest assured, as your managing agent, we take care of all necessary paperwork, acting on your behalf to ensure a seamless process.

‍

In Queensland, there are two types of tenancy agreements:

‍

Fixed Term Agreement

‍

This agreement has a start and end date and can be renewed at the end. It's worth mentioning that the agreement doesn't end automatically on the end date. Required notices and actions must be taken to end or renew the tenancy lawfully. If no action is taken, the agreement automatically becomes a periodic tenancy. To conclude the fixed-term agreement, the lessor must provide the tenant two months' written notice on or before the end date. The lease cannot end earlier than the specified end date unless all parties agree or another lawful action occurs.

‍

Periodic Agreement

‍

This contract has a definite start date but lacks a fixed end date, commonly known as a month-to-month agreement. The primary distinction lies in the tenancy ending time frames. For a tenant on a periodic tenancy, providing two weeks' written notice at any time allows them to vacate the property in two weeks. Conversely, the lessor is required to provide 2 months' written notice for a periodic tenancy.

‍

‍

Special Terms in the Tenancy Agreement

‍

The Tenancy Agreement QLD comprises 44 standard terms that are legally binding and non-negotiable, ensuring compliance with Queensland's tenancy laws. Alongside these standard terms, there is room for special terms that are not part of the standard set but can be added to the agreement as long as they are lawful and don't conflict with legislation.

‍

Property agents cannot draft or create these special terms ourselves, as only a lawyer or the lessor, as a party to the agreement, can do so under the Legal Profession Act of Queensland. However, they utilise special terms provided by our forms provider, which an Australian legal practitioner has prepared. If you require additional special terms, your written instruction will require to include additional special terms.

‍

It's important to note that some special terms may contract outside the legislation, which is not allowed. For instance, agents cannot insert a special term stating that an inclusion like a dishwasher will not be maintained or replaced if it breaks down, as it goes against Section 185 of the residential tenancy agreement and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008.

‍

Signing the Tenancy Agreement

‍

• The property rental manager/owner must provide the agreement to the tenant before the tenant moves in.
• The tenant should sign and return the agreement to the property manager/owner within 5 days.
• Within 14 days of receiving the signed agreement, the tenant should get a copy for their records.
• For important information, the tenant must also receive the Pocket guide for tenants – houses and units (Form 17a).

‍

Free Tenancy Agreement in Queensland

‍

Rental laws can be like local traffic rules, ever-changing and specific to your area. It's important that any rental agreement you use follows these rules. Now, proceed with care about those free rental agreement templates you find online. We're here to help! We've got a Free Tenancy Agreement just for you.  

‍

‍

Hire Houst for Expert Rental Property Management

‍

Looking for a hassle-free solution to manage your rental property? Houst is your best bet! As a trusted rental management company, Houst handles all the details, ensuring landlords a seamless and profitable rental experience.

‍

With Houst by your side, your property will reach its full potential. Our expert team lists your property on major platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, optimising rental yield and maximising occupancy rates. As your dedicated Airbnb property manager, we handle all short-term and long-term lets efficiently and professionally. Staying up-to-date with ever-changing laws and regulations is essential for landlords. Houst has got you covered! 

‍