In a win for investors, the Palaszczuk Government has watered down residential emergency measures it was set to put to parliament, meaning tenants are responsible for their rent – even if deferred – in return for landlords not kicking them out.
Amendments to the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act were originally set to be introduced to parliament tomorrow, but had to be dramatically changed after last week’s proposed measures drew anger from property investors across the country.
Queensland Housing Minister Mick de Brenni called it a “fair middle ground” – but it was only reached after the Palaszczuk Government was bombarded by a letter campaign opposing any move that would have effectively shut landlords out of their own properties.
The Real Estate Institute of Queensland said the amendments, which were coming into force to enable the Federal Government’s moratorium on evictions, included:
Mr de Brenni said the Residential Tenancies Authority, REIQ, QShelter, Tenants Queensland and QCOSS would form a new COVID-19 Housing Security Sub-Committee to oversee implementation.
“The Palaszczuk Government has established the COVID-19 Housing Security Sub-Committee of the Ministerial Housing Council to oversee the implementation of the response measures,” he said.
“The Palaszczuk Government is a government that listens and will be there for those who need us most when times are tough,” he said in a statement.
“Queensland has published a framework on the government’s new website at www.cov19.qld.gov.au, setting out the process for interaction pending the development of an implementation Guideline which has been fleshed out with stakeholders.”
He said a Residential Tenancies Practice Guide COVID-19 for property owners and tenants was also developed. “The Guide will support owners on a range of COVID-19 issues along with free, impartial and expert conciliation from the Residential Tenancies Authority if parties need additional support to reach agreement.” He said those in significant financial distress would also be supported via a $20m rental grant package.
For further information, you can go to the Queensland Government's web-site.
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