Changes to rental reform package ensure fair outcome: expert

The government has reconsidered its initial position and agreed to change the proposed legislation on the COVID-19 rental relief package, which is scheduled to go before state parliament this week.”

“The Strata Community Association (Qld) comments supporting the REIQ’s submission were posted on our Smart Strata online education platform and we were overwhelmed by the response we received from property owners about how unfair they thought the proposed measures were on landlords,” Ms Lonergan said.

“Some believed it could have opened the floodgates for mortgage default and unchecked tenant hardship claims.

“But the Housing Minister Mick de Brenni has listened to the thousands of complaints the government received via the REIQ public campaign and we believe the changes will achieve a fairer outcome and a way forward.”

Ms Lonergan said Archers agreed with the intent of the original package to assist both owners and tenants during the difficult economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, the initial package was imbalanced and “it was pleasing that the REIQ put forward sensible proposals for a fairer and more balanced framework to create equitable protections for both landlords and renters.”

The terms include tenants having to prove financial hardship if seeking rent relief and the government to provide clear guidance to ensure access for essential repairs and maintenance, the sale of a property and virtual inspections.

”We await the finer detail and the outcomes from parliament, but the lesson from this is we all need to work together in these challenging times,” Ms Lonergan concluded.

“No one wants to see tenants thrown out on the streets, but we also don’t want landlords being under massive financial stress.”