Michelle’s story

September 11, 2020

Michelle lives in South-East Queensland with her two teenage daughters, and until more recently, her ex-partner. The house they rented had termite damage, rats in the wall and rotting timber. Every request Michelle made for repairs, was ignored.

“I almost fell through floorboards once, and there are support beams that are rotten,” says Michelle. “I think it is dangerous that these repairs have not made. I believe there should be legislation for minimum standards.”

When COVID-19 struck, Michelle’s partner lost income. Because Michelle is on a carer’s pension looking after one of her children, they fell behind on a few weeks’ rent.

“I think falling behind on rent was held against me, despite all the repair issues I had to live with. I was treated worse,” Sandra says. “After a while, I was able to negotiate to break our lease because my partner and I separated. I couldn’t afford the place on my own. But even breaking the lease came with financial penalties. And now, I can’t find somewhere else to live.

“It’s tough to find somewhere I can afford on a pension, that’s near my children’s school and suitable for a family. In the past, the kids have had to change schools because we rented and had to move quite far away. I feel discriminated against because I’m a carer’s pension, and the pandemic has made things harder.

“I want renting to be fairer for all. Houses should have minimum standards. Repairs should be made. People shouldn’t be discriminated against, and children shouldn’t need to be uprooted. We don’t deserve to be treated as second-class citizens.”

You’d have to wonder if the next lot of renters who move in will inherit the repair issues.

Your help is needed to extend the moratorium on evictions

September 2, 2020

Use this link to email the Housing Minister and ask for the moratorium on evictions to be extended.

The moratorium on evictions is due to end September 29, putting many Queenslander renters at risk of homelessness. At the same time, both the JobKeeper and JobSeeker payments will reduce. Predictions are that another 740,000 Australians will plunge into poverty.

From September 30, landlords will be able to go to court and evict tenants. Rent reductions for COVID-impacted tenants will return to their ‘starting rate,’ and rents owed during the protection phase of the moratorium will become due.

Tenants Queensland reports that increasing numbers of people are contacting their service expressing concern about potential homelessness, unresolved rent disputes and anxiety for the debt they’ve accrued while renting during the pandemic.

Highlighting the issue, Anglicare has released a special mid-year Rental Affordability Snapshot. The report findings show that in Brisbane, once the COVID-19 supplements are decreased, only 4% of rentals would be affordable and appropriate for households on government support.

Now is not the time to end the moratorium on evictions.

We’re asking you all to help call for an extension to the evictions moratorium by sending a letter to our Housing Minister, Mick de Brenni,

By continuing the moratorium protections until the end of the year, and preferably tapering those protections into 2021, COVI-affected Queenslanders will be better protected from homeless, as well as the emotional, financial and physical stress a premature eviction would cause.

Use our online template to send an email asking for the moratorium to be extended. For extra impact, add details of your personal experience and why you believe the extension is needed.

Thank you for your support.

Law reform is needed: ABC’s 7:30 agrees

February 14, 2020

This week, ABC’s 7:30 ran a four-part feature on housing issues within Australia. The team at Make Renting Fair QLD was particularly interested in the series, as was the Tenants Queensland CEO, Penny Carr:

From the ABC website

‘These are the stories we hear about daily on our advice service,” says Penny. “We’ve been raising the need for changes to provide greater stability, safety, the ability to create a home for a long time. When people from Deloitte and ex Productivity Commission are saying the same thing, you know that change is overdue!’ 

Here’s a summary of the key points from the show as they relate to the need for policy change.

Experts say law reform is required.

  • NICKI HUTLEY, PARTNER, DELOITTE ACCESS ECONOMICS: “We have a lot of laws that are around renting that favour overly the owner rather than the renter, particularly around security of tenure. Anyone who works in this space has consistently, for decades, talked about how far behind we are compared to Europe or even the US and yet we do nothing about it.”
  • BRENDAN COATES, GRATTAN INSTITUTE: “Many more Australians will be renting for much more or, in fact, their entire lives. In that world where you’re bringing up kids in the home, it is much more important that you have stability, and therefore, we do need to shift tenancy laws in favour of giving greater security of tenure to renters.”  

Gov’t proposals & what we think. Take Action!!

November 29, 2019

We think the government proposals are worth supporting. We need your help! You can use our thoughts (below) to fill in Q8 in the government’s online submission

Submissions close December 28. Feedback will be used by government to draft a tenancy law reform bill early next year.

1. Ending Tenancies Fairly

We strongly support the recommended option and the withdrawal of without ground notices to leave. We support the addition of the following reasonable grounds to end tenancies:

  • when the lessor or their immediate family will move in;
  • the premises will need to be vacant for at least four weeks to undertake significant repair or renovation; and.
  • for renters experiencing domestic or family violence.

We do not support any other additional grounds.

We believe there should be penalties applied for the misuse of the lawful grounds to end tenancies, and the potential for renters to claim compensation.

2. Minimum Standards

We strongly support the recommended option, the inclusion of minimum standards for rental properties and the strengthened repair and maintenance proposals outlined in the Regulatory Impact Statement. In particular we support the new repair orders so they will:

  • apply to a premises not a tenancy;
  • stop a rental property being rented out and/or rent capped until a repair order is complied with;
  • allow the Residential Tenancies Authority to enforce the order; and,
  • for advocates to be able to seek repair orders on behalf of renters.

3. Renting with Pets

We strongly support the recommended option that would require lessors to have a reasonable ground (prescribed by law) to deny a tenant’s request for a pet when it complies with other laws and by-laws prohibiting the pet/pet type.

In stage two, these reforms should go further to better support renters with pets during the application process.

We do not support a pet bond, because tenants already pay bonds. Any requirement for tenants to undertake carpet cleaning or pest control should only be related to the pet type. For example, flea control should be applicable for dogs and cats, but not goldfish.

4. Minor Modifications

We support the recommended option with some variation. Renters should have the ability to undertake health and safety or amenity minor modifications with prior notification to the lessor. A definition of minor modifications should be included in the changes and qualified tradesman used (only) when appropriate. If the lessor opposes the tenant’s proposed minor modifications, the lessor should be required to use the dispute resolution process within a prescribed timeframe.

A government fund should be established for low income renters who require health and safety modifications (e.g. grab rails) if they are required to restore the property on exit.

5. Domestic and Family Violence

We strong support the recommended option which allows a tenant or co-tenant experiencing domestic and family violence to end their tenancy more easily when they have evidence from specialist worker. We also support processes to help them get their bond back more quickly. and install safety and security devises.

The govt’s tenancy law reforms & how we rate them

November 24, 2019

Make Renting Fair in Qld has given the government proposals a quick rating  against our list of asks.

Our most important ask of removing without ground evictions is included, it is extremely welcomed and rates highly. There are two additional areas for changes proposed by government, both of which are positive. Some of our asks however are not included and left for stage two reforms, these do not get any rating. 

Overall, we welcome the proposals and consider they will go a long way to support renters to make a place their home.

Click on the headings below for an overview of the government’s proposal. We’ll soon provide you more information about what we like and what we think can be improved.  Get on board the campaign, government needs to hear our feedback to convert these proposals into law. 

Give people the right to stay in their rented homes 4/5★

Ending Tenancies Fairly

  • Includes the removal of without ground terminations

The following new grounds are added for lessor and agents to end agreements

  • Lessor or immediate family moving in
  • Significant repair or renovations are being undertaken
  • Sale of rental property requiring vacant possession (notice can be issued during the fixed term by a new owner but cannot take effect during the fixed term)
  • Serious or significant breach due to actions of a tenant, occupant or guest
  • Person is occupying the rental property without consent

New grounds for Tenants to end agreements

  • Rental property is not in good repair, is unfit for human habitation or does not comply with minimum housing standards
  • Lessor has not complied with a QCAT Repair Order to undertake repair or maintenance of the rental property within the specified time
  • Lessor provided false or misleading information about the tenancy agreement or rental property
  • Death of a co-tenant
  • Tenant is escaping domestic and family violence (DFV)

New grounds for the state to end agreements

  • Qld Gov’t owned rental accommodation is required for a public or statutory purpose
  • The Department of Housing requires the property to manage public housing as a scarce resource

Keep people together with their pets in their rental home 2.5/5★

  • Lessor/agent must provide reasonable grounds if refusing a tenant’s request to keep a pet
  • An explanation of reasonable grounds to be developed
  • Lessor/agent can seek a QCAT order to exclude pets/class of pet on reasonable grounds, order may be for a period of time or on-going
  • Allows for the taking of a pet bond OR inclusion of special term requiring carpet cleaning and pest control at the end of the tenancy.
  • ‘Encourages’ disclosure of any pet exclusions to be provided when advertising properties
  • Pet ‘resume’ form to be developed for voluntary use by prospective tenants

Enforce basic standards for rental homes 3.5/5★

Rental housing quality and minimum housing standards

  • Sets out minimum standards  for weatherproofing & structural soundness; plumbing & drainage; security; standard of repair of fixtures and fittings; control of pests & vermin; ventilation; lighting & privacy; cooking & food prep facilities
  • Extended time for Ts to complete entry report
  • Increased monetary value for the emergency repairs a T can organise and claim back
  • Allows As to authorise emergency repairs to specified value if a lessor is uncontactable
  • Contact details for the lessor& nominated repairer to be provided.

New QCAT repair orders which:    

– attach to a property rather than a tenancy

– can prevent a property from being rented until ordered repairs undertaken

– will consider exceptional circumstances of Ls.

– are enforceable by the RTA

– provide for representatives to raise issues on behalf of Ts

Not included in stage one reforms

Make it easier for people who rent to get their bond money back when moving 1/5★

The topic is not included in these reforms but flagged for stage 2.

However, renters experiencing DFV who are co-Ts will be able to apply for their bond when they end their interest in the tenancy (see below). If agreed by the A/L bond is paid out (w/t requiring agreement  from other co/ts). Otherwise usual bond dispute processes apply.

Agent/Lessor may request top up bond from continuing co-tenants (see below).

Keep rents fair to keep people in their homes 0/5★

The topic is not included in these reforms but flagged for stage 2

Make sure that people who rent their homes are treated fairly and with respect 0/5★

The topic is not included in these reforms but flagged for stage 2

Other Topics included in the government’s stage one reforms

Domestic and Family Violence protections 5/5★

DFV – Ending tenancies

  • Tenant can provide 7 days notice of intention to leave
  • Tenant is then not responsible for rent or other liabilities beyond notice time if they have evidence of DFV = Protection order or document from authorised professional (e.g. doctor; social worker; refuge/crisis worker; DFV worker/case manager; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical service worker.
  • Tenant does not have to provide forwarding address
  • Lessor/Agent must maintain privacy about the DFV situation
  • Lessor/Agent may make an urgent QCAT app to ensure veracity of situation.

IF there are co-tenants:

  • Lessor/Agent must inform co-tenants that of the vacating tenant
  • At end of the tenant’s notice period provide the co-tenants w 7 days to decide if they continue the tenancy.

IF the co-Ts do not wish to stay

  • Lessor/Agent provides 21 days notice
  • Co-tenants are not liable for end of tenancy costs e.g. rent after the 21 days notice, advertising etc.

IF the co-tenants want to stay

  • The tenancy continues
  • Remaining tenant/s may have to increase bond if leaving tenant was a bond contributor

Minor Modifictions 3/5★

Two catergies of Minor Modifications have been developed: 

1) health, safety, accessibility and security;

2) amenity or personalisation

The following applies to both categories of minor modifications

  • A definition of minor mods will be included distinct from current sections which apply to fixtures.
  • Tenants must have work undertaken by qualified tradesperson when appropriate.
  • Tenants must comply with by-laws etc.
  • Current requirements for agreement between parties about end of tenancy ‘make good’ or leaving the changes apply
  • Any damage caused by Tenants is Tenant’s responsibility to fix
  • Future consideration will be given to ‘restoration’ bonds.

The following applies to the health, safety, accessibility and security minor modifications

  • Tenants can make minor modifications for health, safety, accessibility, and security reasons, including access to basic telecommunications, must inform the Lessor/Agent but do not need consent.
  • However, the Lessor/Agent may apply for order preventing changes if they have reasonable grounds

The following applies to the  amenity or personalisation minor modficatons

  • Tenants must provide 7 days notice to the Lessor/Agent
  • The Lessor/Agent must respond w/in 7 days (if park manager or owner corps involved Lessor/Agent may seek and extension)
  • The Lessor/Agent cannot unreasonably withhold consent
  • Tenants must pursue DR and QCAT if there is a dispute

We’re analysing the Govt’s proposals

November 20, 2019

The Queensland Government has released its proposed changes to tenancy laws! https://www.yoursayhpw.engagementhq.com/RentingInQLD. 

Make Renting Fair in Qld is studying these proposed changes. At first impression the proposals are welcomed and go a long way to support renters to make a place their home  (see the list of our 7 asks on the home page).
Our key, and most important ask, of removing without ground evictions, is included in the government’s proposals which is good news!
However, we’re still analysing the detail of the proposals to compare them with the changes we’ve been pushing for and will come back soon with our findings.

Give people the right to stay in their rental homes and prevent unfair evictions

October 26, 2018

 

Times are changing and more people are renting than ever before. We need to ensure our tenancy laws are keeping up. Queensland rental reforms are needed to protect good tenants from evictions without any reason.   

Make Renting Fair Queensland represents a voice for all Queenslanders, particularly the more vulnerable and disadvantaged relying on rental housing. Sign up and support our campaign. @RentingFairQld  #RentingFairQld

 

A place you can make home whether you rent or own

October 25, 2018

Help us Make Renting Fair in Queensland!

Welcome to Make Renting Fair in Queensland, a community campaign to improve the conditions for renters across the state. With the Queensland government starting a review of tenancy laws, we want to push for progressive change.  Our campaign starts here and it will run through to whenever legislative changes are passed in parliament, which is likely to be later next year.  We need your help to build momentum!

Sign up and join our campaign, tell your friends and family and help us to Make Renting Fair in Qld – Safe home, Fair Conditions for all. Whether you rent or own you should be able to make a place your home. Make Renting Fair Media Release looks at which Queensland electorates have more renters than owner occupiers.  It’s time for change!

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