On Tuesday 13 June 2023, I asked the Housing Minister whether the government intends to remove a loophole in their tenancy amendments that allows landlords to evict tenants after six months in order to raise rent on the property.
You can read my question and the answer below, or find the full transcript and video link in the official Queensland Parliament Record of Proceedings (Hansard).
Mr BERKMAN: My question is to the Minister for Housing. Two months ago the Greens warned that the government’s last minute tenancy amendments would incentivise landlords to kick out tenants after six months so they can raise the rent. We have now heard from countless renters facing eviction in the middle of a housing crisis thanks to this loophole. When will the government introduce legislation to fix this?
Ms SCANLON: I thank the member for the question. We make no apology for bringing into this House reform to try to limit the number of rent increases that renters see across this state. This was about bringing our legislation in line with almost every other jurisdiction in the country. I understand Western Australia is now progressing reforms in a similar nature as well.
I have said on the record that I am incredibly disappointed at some individuals in the community who are taking advantage of the rental market and particularly of vulnerable Queenslanders. As a result of that, I convened a round table with peak organisations to talk about options. Now government will consider those options. If there are any changes, of course we would undergo community consultation. My message is very clear to people out there in the community: if you are concerned about anything that is happening in your particular rental arrangement— [...] If anyone needs additional advice, I would encourage them to come forward to the Residential Tenancies Authority to get advice about their particular matter. I suspect that in some cases some landlords or real estate agents maybe providing incorrect advice, so it is important that tenants are aware of what their rights are. We have progressed stage 1 of our rental reforms. We have been out to consultation on stage 2 of our rental reforms. We will continue to make sure that we have a balanced rental system. We know that of course we need more supply but we also need to make sure that renters’ rights are protected, and that is what we are focused on.