pending qld Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Amendment Bill 2014.

[tpepper]

been looking at older places in queensland

Received info about this in an email today - interested to hear peoples thoughts?

I realise the below info is a bit of a marketing ploy to buy new houses but it does raise a few valid points.

"the pending Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Amendment Bill 2014.

This bill is still caught up in State Parliament & is still being debated. The essence of the bill ? as I understand it ? is to create a ?minimum housing standard? for rental properties. This could have far reaching & very expensive implications for older residential investment properties across Queensland if the bill is passed. Go here & here (for starters) for more information about this pending bill.

Many of Queensland?s older investment properties will need to be substantially renovated to comply with the proposed new legislation. This will be costly & will also involve bureaucracy & lots of red tape?likely, loads more. Compliance might mean having to do without any rental income for months (maybe longer) as older rental properties are bought up to the new minimum standard."

"What will the Bill do?
The Bill proposes to amend the Act by imposing prescribed minimum housing standards ("Minimum Standards") for Queensland residential rental premises in relation to matters including:

- sanitation, drainage, cleanliness and repair of premises
- ventilation and insulation
-protection from damp and its effects
-construction, condition, structures, safety and situation of premises
- dimensions, cubical extent and height of rooms in the premises
- privacy and security
- provision of water supply, storage and sanitary facilities
- lighting
- freedom from vermin infestation
- energy efficiency

The Bill requires landlords to ensure that the premises comply with the Minimum Standards before letting the premises to a tenant.

A tenant may give a written notice to the landlord if the premises do not comply with the Minimum Standards. "

http://www.cbp.com.au/Publications/...230185577&mc_cid=6b9c4e5a67&mc_eid=40cb90dc7a

https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/...230185577&mc_cid=6b9c4e5a67&mc_eid=40cb90dc7a

http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/qld/bill/rtaraab2014510/

many more links to info on the internet

The concerning thing is I can't find anywhere what the standard actually are. building heights is another thing as many places in queensland ?logan highsets may not comply with this.

disclaimer I keep our rentals in good condition

I also came across this summary for the different states which was useful
http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/committees/THLGC/2014/INQ-RTRAA/bp-Sep2014-dept.pdf

 

[thatbum]

I doubt the minimum standards would be anything too onerous. Seems like a pretty alarmist article to me.

Other similar legislation in other jurisdictions are usually pretty watered down, and also give something like 2 years for landlords to transition into.

 

[Hope74]

Hi, I'm not sure about this "amendment" but qld does have the new "property occupations act 2014" which finally commenced in december. As I understand it, the purpose of the act is to get rid of some red tape for real estate agents eg the "warning" form when selling a house is gone, owners and agents can terminate management agreements immediately, amongst other changes. No need to be worried about buying in Queensland

 

[Ed Barton]

rid of some red tape for real estate agents eg the "warning" form when selling a house is gone, owners and agents can terminate

Filling out a one page form must have been difficult for the average agent.

As I understand it, the purpose of the act

is to separate agents from used car dealers.

 

[Hope74]

You're right, it does separate real estate agents from motor dealers and I think debt collectors too?
I see now that there is a private members bill proposing to set minimum standards and that there is a review of the rtra act. Surely if your property is properly maintained there would not be an issue?