The Department of Communities, Housing and the Digital Economy has announced that new rules have been introduced to limit rent increases to once a year.
In a statement, the Department said the move was designed to balance the rights and interests of Queenslanders who rent with those of property owners, with the aim of sustaining a healthy rental supply.
“Reducing the frequency of increases from six months to 12 months is also consistent with most other jurisdictions throughout the country,” the Department said.
Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk said this was one of several options for housing policy reform discussed at a Housing Roundtable in Brisbane.
Also included in the package were extra funds for more than 600 emergency hotel accommodation places across Queensland; rental and bond support payments to help tenants; and $3.9 million to extend and expand food and emergency relief.
“There are more than a million Queenslanders who rent their homes and every single one of them must be given a fair go,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“A fair go to pay rent they can afford and not be penalised for the cost-of-living situation all Australians find themselves in today.”
She said the great majority of landlords did the right thing and looked after their tenants, but for those who did not, this was a wake-up call.
“We must act, and will act, to deliver reforms that balance the rights and interests of Queenslanders who rent and property owners to sustain healthy rental supply,” the Premier said.
Minister for Communities and Housing, Leeanne Enoch said her Department was getting on with the job of building more social housing through a record $3.9 billion housing budget and the $2 billion Housing Infrastructure Fund.
