If you are thinking about renting in Port Douglas, Mossman, or anywhere in the Douglas Shire, there are some important things you should know before making the move. Especially if you are moving here from another state, you may not be aware of your rights and responsibilities as a tenant renting a Port Douglas house.
At Property Shop Port Douglas and Mossman, we are dedicated to helping new tenants find their feet while living in this beautiful part of Australia. Whether you are renting in Port Douglas short-term for work or permanently relocating, this guide will fill you in on all the key details about being a tenant in Queensland.
A Quick Introduction to Your Rights as a Port Douglas Tenant
If you decide to move into one of the houses or units for rent in Port Douglas, then you will be covered by the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (simply known as “the Act”). The Act dictates what you can and cannot do as a tenant living in Queensland and applies to all rental homes that Property Shop Port Douglas and Mossman manages.
Your Rights and Responsibilities Under the Act
As a tenant living in Port Douglas or Mossman, you have rights and responsibilities that you should be aware of.
Some of your key rights include moving into a property that is suitable for human habitation, having all repair and maintenance requests followed up on by the lessor or agent, and having your privacy respected through detailed and relevant entry notices.
On the other hand, as a tenant renting in Port Douglas, you are responsible for paying your rent on time, keeping the property in an acceptable condition, and repairing any damage caused by you or your visitors.
To get a full overview of your rights and responsibilities, be sure to give the Act a thorough read before signing your lease.
Recent and Upcoming Changes to the Act
The Act is always being amended, and it is important to keep up to date with how your rights and responsibilities as a tenant are being represented in law. We have already covered some of the key changes to the Act in our article “Maintenance and Rental Properties: Changes in 2022”. However, there are more changes that have been made to the Act, some of which will be made effective immediately, others that will be phased in over a three-year period.
The main changes that you should pay attention to include:
- A tenancy agreement can be quickly ended in circumstances of domestic and family violence, with all costs being fair and bond accessible.
- Owners can now only refuse pets on prescribed reasonable grounds, such as the rental property being unsuitable for pets and/or the pets posing a health and safety risk to occupants. Body Corp by laws also apply.
- Minimum housing standards will be brought into effect between 2023 and 2024 and ensure that all rental properties meet a higher standard for safety, accessibility, and security.
There are more important changes coming to the Act, so be sure to keep an eye on Property Shop to stay up to date with everything you need to know about leasing one of our houses for rent in Mossman or Port Douglas.
Property Shop is Here to Help
While it can feel overwhelming understanding all your rights and responsibilities as a tenant in Port Douglas, know that Property Shop Port Douglas and Mossman is here to help. Our property managers are long term locals and employees, and well respected real estate professionals, who manage a portfolio of 400 properties. They will guide you through everything you need to know before signing a lease, so you never feel like you are being left in the dark. For more information, contact our friendly team today on 07 4098 5222.