6 Key Queensland Rental Law Changes Landlords Should Know in 2026

On 1 May 2025, Queensland introduced the next stage of rental law reforms coming into effect under the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024.  

Following on from changes made in both 2023 and 2024 respectively, the latest round of reforms now offers tenants stronger privacy, new rules around entry notice periods and frequency, changes to application processes, and increased transparency around payment methods to landlords. 

In this article, we outline what these reforms mean for tenants and the steps landlords must take to remain compliant and avoid penalties. 

1. Increased notice period for entry

Changes to QLD rental laws in 2025 now mean more privacy for tenants with the minimum notice period required for entry to a property increased from 24 to 48 hours. Changes to notice periods in Queensland mean that tenants must be given at least 48 hours’ notice by the property manager or landlord before accessing a property.

2. Reduced entry frequency allowances

From 1 May 2025, rental property owners and managers are limited to no more than 2 entries every 7 days after a notice to end the tenancy has been given by either the renter or owner. Previously, there was no limit to the number of times that a landlord or property manager could enter the property during the notice period. This meant tenants were subject to unrestricted visits from tradespeople, multiple open homes and inspections. Reduced entry frequency during the notice period ensures the outgoing tenant can continue to live in the property with reduced disruption.

3. Increased privacy protection for tenants

Landlords and property managers are now restricted in what personal information they can ask for, collect, store, and access from renters during both the application process and throughout the tenancy. These new changes are intended to protect the privacy of tenants and limit personal information sharing.

4. Property managers/owners must disclose benefits

Under changes to QLD rental laws that came into effect from 1 May 2025, property managers or owners (whoever is responsible for receiving payments), must disclose to the tenant/resident any benefits that they may receive for specified payment methods. Increased transparency around payment method benefits for landlords ensures tenants are making informed payment decisions. Failing to disclose carries a maximum penalty of 20 penalty units.

5. Changes to the rental application process

Under changes introduced in May 2025, landlords and property managers must use a standardised application form, offering at least two ways to submit the application (with at least one of these being free and unrestricted). As per the point raised above, landlords and property managers are now limited in the personal information that they can ask during the application process.

These changes to the rental application process in Queensland mean that landlords can no longer ask for documents pertaining to things like rental bonds and previous claims made, as well as any detailed banking records showing things like transactions. Failing to comply carries a maximum penalty of 20 penalty units.

6. Changes to request for fixes and structural changes

Under changes introduced in QLD on 1 May 2025, tenants must now use an approved form to request fixtures or structural changes, and landlords must respond in writing within 28 days. Prior to this change, there was no standardised form, no response deadline from landlords, and no clear pathway for tenants to challenge what they deemed to be an unreasonable refusal through proper dispute resolution channels including QCAT.