Comply with Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (QLD)
QLD RTRA — RTA bond, minimum standards, dispute resolution via QCAT.
Who must comply
Property managers and owners (lessors) of residential tenancies, moveable dwelling and rooming accommodation in Queensland, including social and community housing providers; tenants and residents have reciprocal duties such as returning the condition report.
What triggers it
Advertising a rental, entering a residential tenancy or rooming accommodation agreement in Queensland, taking or increasing a bond, or ending a tenancy.
When due
Bond (and any bond increase or instalment) lodged with the RTA within 10 days of receipt; entry condition report given at the start of the tenancy, returned by the tenant within 7 days, and a copy sent back within 14 days; bond increases no more than once every 11 months with at least one month's written notice; Notice to leave (Form 12 or R12) given with the notice period required for the approved ground.
Evidence required
Bond receipts and RTA Acknowledgement of rental bond (including the date of the last rent increase, which the lodgement form requires); Entry condition report (Form 1a, 1b or R1) with photos; written tenancy agreement and any bond instalment terms; Notices to leave with supporting information for the ground relied on; records showing minimum housing standards are met.
Max penalty
The RTA lists as offences: failing to give a receipt or lodge a bond within 10 days, taking more than the maximum bond, failing to give an entry condition report, and knowingly giving the RTA false or misleading documents. The RTA investigates and takes enforcement action; QCAT decides disputes. Offence penalty amounts were not verified for this entry; check the Act on legislation.qld.gov.au
Who must comply with this? The applicability test by industry, business structure and size.
Summary
The Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (Qld) governs general tenancies, moveable dwellings and rooming accommodation. The Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) holds rental bonds, provides free dispute resolution (conciliation) and investigates offences; unresolved disputes go to QCAT. A property manager or owner who takes a bond must give a receipt and lodge it with the RTA within 10 days, and cannot take more than the statutory maximum (4 weeks' rent for general tenancies and rooming accommodation), however the bond is described. The entry condition report must be prepared, signed and given to the tenant at the start of the tenancy. Rental properties must meet minimum housing standards, and the RTA takes reports of advertised properties that appear not to, and of rooms advertised without a fixed rent. Its August 2026 compliance plan focuses first on evidence for bond claims.
Enforced by
Source legislation
Topics
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Frequently asked questions
- Who must comply with Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (QLD)?
- Property managers and owners (lessors) of residential tenancies, moveable dwelling and rooming accommodation in Queensland, including social and community housing providers; tenants and residents have reciprocal duties such as returning the condition report.
- What triggers Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (QLD)?
- Advertising a rental, entering a residential tenancy or rooming accommodation agreement in Queensland, taking or increasing a bond, or ending a tenancy.
- When is Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (QLD) due?
- Bond (and any bond increase or instalment) lodged with the RTA within 10 days of receipt; entry condition report given at the start of the tenancy, returned by the tenant within 7 days, and a copy sent back within 14 days; bond increases no more than once every 11 months with at least one month's written notice; Notice to leave (Form 12 or R12) given with the notice period required for the approved ground.
- What is the maximum penalty for Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (QLD)?
- The RTA lists as offences: failing to give a receipt or lodge a bond within 10 days, taking more than the maximum bond, failing to give an entry condition report, and knowingly giving the RTA false or misleading documents. The RTA investigates and takes enforcement action; QCAT decides disputes. Offence penalty amounts were not verified for this entry; check the Act on legislation.qld.gov.au
- What evidence is required for Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (QLD)?
- Bond receipts and RTA Acknowledgement of rental bond (including the date of the last rent increase, which the lodgement form requires); Entry condition report (Form 1a, 1b or R1) with photos; written tenancy agreement and any bond instalment terms; Notices to leave with supporting information for the ground relied on; records showing minimum housing standards are met.
Source: https://www.rta.qld.gov.au/starting-a-tenancy/rental-bond. Rules Mate is not a law firm. Always verify against the live regulator source before acting.