Queensland Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon says some landlords are ending leases with a purpose to skirt legal guidelines launched earlier this 12 months to cease lease hikes.
Ms Scanlon mentioned on Thursday landlords have been making an attempt to lift rents regardless of a brand new annual cap.
“Earlier this year, laws were passed to limit rent increases to once per year to assist in stabilising rents,” she mentioned.
“However, reports have emerged of some landlords and agents ending leases with tenants in order to increase rents more frequently than once per year.”
The laws, aimed toward giving renters a “fair go”, got here into impact for all new and present tenancies on July 1.
Previously, landlords have been allowed beneath legislation to extend rents each six months.
The accusations come amid the discharge of a dialogue paper aimed toward guaranteeing the brand new guidelines are adhered to.
It follows a roundtable with peak our bodies and landlords hosted by Ms Scanlon to debate studies of some landlords not renewing tenancies.
She mentioned the paper considers tying limits to rental will increase to a property relatively than particular person tenancies, if suggestions signifies it’s needed.
“I want to ensure that the original intent of our laws is respected,” Ms Scanlon mentioned.
“Not everyone is engaging in these tactics, and I want to acknowledge that the vast majority of agents and landlords do the right thing.
“Our reforms seek to stabilise rents which will help ensure affordability and certainty for renters in a way that also takes into account the pressures some landlords are facing.
“We’re rolling out more social and affordable housing while also providing immediate relief to those who need it, but some of the unscrupulous actions being taken by some are putting even more strain on a housing and rental market that’s feeling the impact of nationwide pressures.
“Queensland’s private rental market is a vitally important part of our overall housing mix, and I want to see that market thrive. That will happen when all players in the market act fairly and within the letter and spirit of the law.”
Consultation on the dialogue paper closes subsequent month.
Deputy Premier Steven Miles beforehand mentioned the Queensland authorities was “taking immediate action” to assist renters by passing the legislation.
“For most households, rent would be the biggest single expense in their household budget,” he mentioned.
“The majority of landlords do the right thing, but talking immediate action will protect Queensland renters from landlords who aren’t operating fairly.”
The amendments introduced Queensland according to different Australian states with comparable legal guidelines, and likewise utilized to rooming lodging agreements.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
