Queenslanders are no strangers to cyclones and severe storms that can produce hail, flooding rains, lightning, winds greater than 200km/h and storm surge. They are often unpredictable and can potentially cause major damage to property. It’s important to be prepared and aware to ensure your safety through storm season. Our RTA expert for this episode is Marc Fidler from RTA's Customer Experience team.

Queensland is known for its scorching summers and so keeping cool is important when the heat is on. In the latest episode of the Talking Tenancies podcast we discuss maintaining and repairing air conditioners and pools to ensure a comfortable summer for both tenants and managing parties. Our RTA expert for this episode is Stephen Watson from RTA's Customer Experience team.  

The amount of rent, and how it should be paid, must be stated in the tenancy agreement. There are rules for rent increases and in some circumstances the rent may be decreased. There are also rules about the non-payment of rent.  In this episode of Talking Tenancies, we delve into the tricky questions we receive on a regular basis when it comes to your rights on rent with the RTA’s Peggy McGuinness.

Special terms can be added to a general tenancy agreement or rooming accommodation agreement to provide guidance during the tenancy on things such as keeping pets, water charging and pool maintenance.  In this episode of Talking Tenancies, we explore special terms on a tenancy agreement with Adam Busato from the RTA.

Apartment and body corporate living has its own challenges and rewards. Living in close proximity to others calls for greater consideration and sensitivity, but being part of a tight-knit community can be greatly rewarding.  In this week’s episode of the Talking Tenancies podcast, we discuss high density unit living with Sarah Halligan and Andison Lai and what you need to consider when renting a unit, apartment or townhouse in a complex.

The RTA’s Investigations function supports fairness in the rental sector through ensuring that all parties to a tenancy comply with the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act (the RTRA Act). We achieve this through taking a proactive approach to education, targeted compliance activities and investigations on behalf of customers into alleged breaches of the Act. The RTA is a regulator and is therefore committed to conducting investigations in a way that is fair and equitable to both parties.  In this episode of Talking Tenancies, we explore the RTA’s Investigations function with Stuart Taylor.

A property becomes unliveable when it:  is fully, or partially, destroyed or  can no longer be used lawfully as a residence   It’s important to consider the liveability of a property on a case-by-case basis. When a property becomes unlivable, there are usually two options – to end the tenancy or to continue the tenancy.  In this episode of Talking Tenancies, we discuss what can happen when a rental property becomes damaged or destroyed  with RTA Conciliator Ben Gerwald.

Lessors are allowed to pass on the full water consumption charges (including bulk water charges) to tenants provided they meet all the minimum criteria.  At the start of the tenancy agreement, the managing party and tenant should negotiate arrangements for water charging and frequency of charges.  In this episode of Talking Tenancies, we explore water charges and leaks in a rental property and discuss the rights and responsibilities of tenants and managing parties with RTA Customer Experience Acting Team Leader Michaela Alletsee.

Regular and open communication between parties in a tenancy is key to preventing disputes. If there is a dispute, it is best to be proactive, respectful and communicate clearly while negotiating and finding a resolution. Make sure you understand your rights and responsibilities under Queensland tenancy laws, and share information and knowledge with each other to work together.  In this week’s episode of the Talking Tenancies podcast, we discuss self resolution steps with Shae Francis from Customer Experience at the RTA.

Tenants usually pay for services such as electricity, gas, phone and internet when renting a property. They may also be charged for water in some cases (conditions apply). In this episode of Talking Tenancies, we discuss the charges and responsibilities that apply to utilities in a rental property with Acting Customer Experience Team Leader, Jill Davidson.