Talking Tenancies: Recent Episodes
Residential Tenancies Authority
The Talking Tenancies podcast is brought to you by Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) and explores everything you need to know about renting in Queensland. We are a state government statutory authority that helps make renting work for everyone, providing tenancy information and support, bond management, dispute resolution, investigations and prosecutions, and education services.
For a property manager or owner, taking steps to make sure a bond refund process goes smoothly can help to save time and stress. It can also help to reduce the likelihood of a dispute.
In this episode, the RTA's Cassie Chow joins us to share tips for a smooth bond refund process from a managing party perspective.
Your tenancy has ended, you’ve vacated the property and now it’s time to request your bond refund. How quickly you get through the bond refund process, though, can depend on various factors. In this episode of Talking Tenancies, we are joined by the RTA's Marc Fidler to discuss some great tips for tenants requesting a bond refund.
When goods and documents are left behind in a rental property or room, they must be returned or disposed of according to specific rules. In this episode we are joined by the RTA's Marc Fidler to help us understand what should be done when goods are left behind in a rental property.
So you’ve made the decision to start renting or begin looking for a new rental property. As you search for your new home, you will be required to submit tenancy application forms. With this process, there are some important things to be aware of. In this episode we are joined by the RTA's Cassie Chow to unpack what you need to know about applying for a rental property, including information about searching for a rental property and making a tenancy application.
This podcast episode explores the ins and outs of renting with others, including share housing, sub-letting, rooming accommodation, and boarding. Susan Cridland from the RTA shares practical advice on tenancy agreements, changing housemates, avoiding rental scams, and managing shared responsibilities like bills and cleaning. The episode also highlights legal distinctions between different rental arrangements and offers tips for maintaining respectful and harmonious living environments.
The Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Regulation 2009 expired on 31 August 2025 and was replaced with the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Regulation 2025. In this episode, we are joined by the RTA's Cassie Chow to explore the latest tenancy regulation changes, how the regulation and act work together, and what customers need to know about the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Regulation 2025.
New Queensland rental laws took effect on the 1st of May 2025. If you are a property manager, owner or tenant, it is important you understand what these changes mean for you.
In this episode, we are joined by Marc Fidler from the RTA, who is going to run us through the 1st of May changes to fixtures and structural changes.
New Queensland rental laws take effect on the 1st of May 2025. If you are a property manager, owner or tenant, it is important you understand what these changes mean for you.
In this episode of Talking Tenancies, we are joined by Sam Galer from the RTA, who is going to take us through the 1st of May changes to entry frequency and notice periods.
Illicit drug laboratories are places where illegal drugs such as methylamphetamine (otherwise known as meth) are manufactured. If illicit drug use or manufacturing occurs in a rental property, this can cause contamination that may affect the liveability or state of repair of the property for future tenants. In this episode, we discuss the steps you can take if you think a rental property has been contaminated from illicit drug activities. In this episode, we are joined by the RTA's Michaela Alletsee to discuss the impacts of drug contamination in a rental property.
Further changes to Queensland’s tenancy laws commenced on 30 September 2024. These include changes relating to maximum bond amounts, supporting evidence for claims or disputes on a rental bond by a managing party, rent payment methods, utility bills, re-letting costs and compliance changes. The RTA's Cassie Chow steps us through the changes relating to methods of paying rent in this episode.
Queensland tenancy laws began to change on 6 June 2024, with further changes commencing on 30 September 2024 and 1 May 2025. If you’re a property manager, owner or tenant, it’s important you understand what these changes mean for you. In this episode we break down the changes with RTA expert, Cassandra Chow. Learn more at www.rta.qld.gov.au.
It’s hard to imagine forgetting to claim your rental bond at the end of a tenancy, but you may be surprised to know the RTA holds more than 100,000 outstanding bond payments, which are sometimes called unclaimed bonds or forgotten bonds. In this episode, we cover the importance of keeping your details up to date with the RTA and how you can check if bond money is owed to you. Joining us for this discussion is the RTA's CEO, Jennifer Smith.
Queensland tenancy laws changed on 6 June 2024. The new laws affect rent and increases, bond lodgements and bond refunds, as well as other changes.
In this episode, we’ll be providing an overview of these new tenancy laws with RTA expert, Jessie Andrell.
From 6 June 2024, changes came into effect for all new and existing tenancies attaching the 12-month frequency limit for rent increases to a property or room, rather than the tenancy or rooming agreement. In this episode, we cover some of the common questions asked around the changes relating to rent increases with RTA Expert, Cassandra Chow.
As an experienced regulator, the RTA acts in the public interest to support and protect Queenslanders by addressing issues of alleged non-compliance with the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 in a timely, informed and consistent way.
We’re committed to upholding and enforcing compliance with the Act through our Compliance and Enforcement team. In this episode, RTA expert, Scott Catherall joins us to explain compliance and enforcement priorities.
Property owners can choose to rent out secondary dwellings, such as granny flats to non-household members. It’s important that property owners discuss all terms of an agreement with tenants/residents and ensure the property meets the required standards. In this episode, RTA expert, Susan Cridland joins us to discuss the intricacies of renting a secondary dwelling in Queensland.
Maintaining pest control measures in a rental property are all part of maintaining a healthy living environment and meeting minimum housing standards in Queensland. RTA's expert, Lori Lynam joins us to explain the obligations of property owner/managers and tenants in various situations when it comes to Pest Control.
New rules around minimum housing standards are due to come into effect on 1 September 2023 for new tenancies and 1 September 2024 for all tenancies. Minimum housing standards aim to ensure rental properties are safe, secure and functional. They will give tenants, residents, property managers and owners more clarity around the essential requirements and maintenance obligations for Queensland rental properties. In this episode we explore the details with RTA expert, Sam Galer. Visit www.rta.qld.gov.au for more information.
From 1 July 2023, changes to limit rent increase frequency to once every 12 months will come into effect for all new and existing tenancies.
In this episode, RTA's expert, Sam Galer takes us through the legislative changes and what they mean for the renting community in Queensland. Visit www.rta.qld.gov.au for more information.
Mould is something every Queenslander is familiar with, as our warm and wet weather is a key driver in the production of mould at different times of the year.
Mould may grow indoors in wet or moist areas that lack adequate ventilation, including walls or wallpaper, ceilings, bathroom tiles, carpets, insulation material and wood. If left, mould can cause damage to a home and belongings, and can also pose a health risk to those living in the property.
Learn more by tuning in with RTA Expert, Stephen Watson.
Queensland tenancy laws are changing from 1 October 2022, the new laws provide tenants, property managers and owners with a greater number of reasons to end a tenancy, introduces a framework for negotiating renting with pets, repair orders as well as a few other amendments.
In this episode, we’ll be specifically focusing on the tenancy law changes around the introduction of repair orders and other amendments. RTA expert, Taylor Dean walks us through the new Queensland tenancy law changes when it comes to repairs and other amendments.
Visit www.rta.qld.gov.au/podcast for more information.
Queensland tenancy laws are changing from 1 October 2022, the new laws provide tenants, property managers and owners with a greater number of reasons to end a tenancy, introduces a framework for negotiating renting with pets, repair orders as well as a few other amendments.
In this episode, we’ll be focusing on the tenancy law changes around the new framework that’s in place to help tenants and property owners to negotiate renting with a pet. RTA's expert, Sheri Wilton takes us through everything we need to know with the new Queensland tenancy laws when it comes to renting with a pet.
Visit www.rta.qld.gov.au/podcast for more information.
Queensland tenancy laws have changed from 1 October 2022 providing property managers, owners and tenants with a greater number of reasons to end a tenancy, the introduction of a framework for negotiating renting with pets, repair orders as well as a few other amendments.
In this episode, we’ll focus specifically on the tenancy law changes around ending a tenancy. RTA's expert, Lynn Smith helps us to get a greater understanding of what we need to know in terms of the new changes to Queensland tenancy laws when ending a tenancy. Visit rta.qld.gov.au for more information.
Queensland tenancy laws are changing from 1 October 2022, the new laws provide tenants, property managers and owners with a greater number of reasons to end a tenancy, a framework for negotiating renting with pets and repair orders as well as a few other amendments.
In this episode, we’ll be providing an overview of the new tenancy laws taking effect from 1 October 2022. There will be separate episodes that detail each of the key changes in the following month.
RTA's expert, Megan James takes us through an overview of the changes to Queensland tenancy laws taking effect from 1 October 2022. Visit rta.qld.gov.au for more information.
For a term bandied around a lot, the term wear and tear claims a fair share of the debate over damage to rented properties.
When you put fair in front of the wear and tear part the interpretation becomes even more complex.
In this episode, we aim to help clarify exactly what it is and how it applies to a tenancy with the RTA's Marc Fidler.
The RTA’s Compliance and Enforcement function supports fairness in the rental sector through ensuring that all parties to a tenancy comply with the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (the Act). In this episode of Talking Tenancies, we gain insights from the RTA's Stuart Taylor on the proactive approach to education in the sector.
Whether renting or not, neighbours can sometimes impact the quiet enjoyment of our living environment – this can stem from noise, smoking, parking, rubbish or overgrown properties. In this episode, we aim to give you some tips on how to live in harmony with your neighbours and what you can do when it all gets a bit too much to handle. Our RTA expert in this episode is Jill Davidson.
The Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (the Act) contains the rules covering rooming accommodation such as boarding houses, hostels, and off-campus student accommodation in Queensland. In this episode of Talking Tenancies, the RTA's Lynn Smith helps us to understand the differences when it comes to rooming accommodation.
RTA Web Services make updating your bond details and completing essential tenancy transactions faster, easier, and more convenient for all parties. The RTA's Tim Perrott joins us this episode to step us through each RTA Web Service and how it works.
At different stages of a tenancy, a property manager/owner or prospective buyer/tenant may want to take photos inside and outside of the rental property for various reasons, such as to advertise a property for sale or re-let, or during inspections for records and as supporting evidence for formal documentation like entry and exit condition reports. In this episode of Talking Tenancies, the RTA's Christian Herrmann guides us through what we need to know when taking photos in a rental property
Sometimes during the life of a tenancy, disagreements may occur between the parties involved. The RTA is here to help all parties in an impartial way, whilst ensuring all obligations under the legislation are met through our dispute resolution service. If an agreement cannot be reached, this is where there is the option of taking the matter to the Queensland Civil Administrative Tribunal – QCAT. In this episode of Talking Tenancies, we are joined by RTA's Michaela Alletsee.
In this episode we will bust some myths and misconceptions to help get a greater understanding of the RTA’s role and what we do to support the Queensland rental sector with the RTA's Rowan Bayliss.
When you contact us at the RTA, there is some information you can gather to make sure we can provide the right information for your situation and the support you need. Being prepared before picking up the phone and understanding the RTA’s role and responsibilities can go a long way to help us guide you to a better outcome.
In this episode of Talking Tenancies, we discuss ways you can take action to help us help you with your enquiry with the RTA's Susan Cridland.
Whether students are renting in purpose-built student accommodation, sharing a house with others or going it alone in a unit, it’s important they understand their tenancy rights and responsibilities.
For some students, this may be their first time away from home and renting on their own, or their first time in Australia. Students are encouraged to read their agreement and ask questions to clarify expectations before they sign, and be aware that they should receive a receipt for any money they pay.
In this episode of Talking Tenancies, we discuss tips for students renting in Queensland with RTA's Kate Edmonds.
A tenancy agreement is a legally binding, written agreement between a tenant and a managing party. An agreement must be used even if it is between family or friends. RTA's Helen Doogan joins us to talk about the different agreements and their importance.
The Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (the Act) applies to renting a place to live in Queensland – including tenancy agreements for caravans, caravan sites, houseboats, rented manufactured homes and moveable dwellings for residential purposes.
In this episode with RTA's Blair Lawson, we talk about the key differences in caravan and moveable dwelling tenancies.
As the end of the year rapidly approaches, it can be easy to get carried away during the festive season with celebrations and commitments. In this episode, we have some tips and reminders to help tenants plan for a happy, safe secure and enjoyable holiday season.
In this episode with RTA's Ben Gerwald, we talk about how to enjoy this festive season with peace of mind as a tenant in Queensland.
Everyone deserves to feel safe at home, and domestic and family violence is never acceptable.
Domestic and family violence (DFV) occurs when one person in an intimate personal, family or informal carer relationship uses violence or abuse to maintain power and control over the other person.
Living with DFV can have a devastating impact on a person’s autonomy, independence, wellbeing and safety.
In this episode with RTA's Sam Galer, we'll talk about the updated renting laws that may be able to help someone who is experiencing DFV in a rental property to leave the situation quickly, or feel safer in their home.
The Residential Tenancies Authority urges Queensland tenants to remain vigilant and be alert when searching for their next rental property.
Common scams can include online classified ads or social media posts from people pretending to be real property managers or owners that mislead tenants into paying deposits or bonds for rental properties that are sometimes fake or unavailable addresses. These unfortunate situations leave prospective tenants in the challenging position of trying to recover their losses which can be a long and drawn out process.
In this episode, RTA’s Marc Fidler takes us through some tips on how to protect yourself from a rental scam.
Queensland experiences some of Australia’s most extreme weather events each year. Bushfire season typically begins in July and ends in October and can extend through to February, but with varying climate conditions, bushfires can occur anytime and anywhere.
In this episode of Talking Tenancies, Andison Lai from the RTA discusses 4 key actions you can take to stay safe this bushfire season.
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.
Smoke alarms save lives. Reports have found that the risk of death in a house fire is reduced by more than half if properly maintained smoke alarms are installed. In this week’s episode of the Talking Tenancies podcast, we discuss the importance of smoke alarm maintenance and safety for tenants and managing parties with Senior Support Officer, Sarah Halligan.
When a rental property is for sale while it is occupied by a tenant, there are several scenarios that can take place, so it’s important to be informed on rights and responsibilities as a tenant and a property owner/manager.
In this week’s episode of the Talking Tenancies podcast, we discuss what is required from all parties when a rental property is for sale with Matt Sturgess from Customer Experience at the RTA.
Sharing a tenancy or a rental property is a popular way to keep living expenses affordable. While this can be in the form of sub-letting or share housing, they can be vastly different to each other and may affect your rights and responsibilities under the legislation.
In this week’s episode of the Talking Tenancies podcast, we discuss the differences between sub-letting and share housing with Jill Davidson from Customer Experience at the RTA.
When tenancy disputes occur, the RTA encourages all parties to try to resolve disagreements by talking to each other. Often disputes arise when someone does not meet the terms of the tenancy agreement.
In this week’s episode of the Talking Tenancies podcast, we discuss the dispute resolution process with Shae Francis from Customer Experience at the RTA.
When it comes time to move out and vacate a rental property, it’s a great idea to make a checklist and follow a step-by-step process to ensure it goes as smoothly as possible. In this week’s episode of the Talking Tenancies podcast, we discuss vacating a property with Sarah Halligan from Customer Experience at the RTA.
A breach of the tenancy agreement is when the property manager/owner or tenant fails to comply with any part of the agreement. In this episode of the Talking Tenancies podcast, we discuss breach notices with Sam Galer from the RTA.
If a tenant or property manager/owner ends a fixed term agreement before the end date without sufficient reason they are breaking the agreement – also known as breaking the lease. A tenancy agreement is a legally binding agreement and when broken, may result in the need for compensation.
In this week’s episode we discuss breaking a lease with Matt Sturgess from Customer Experience at the RTA.
You’ve been on the hunt for your dream rental and finally found the right home for you. After the inspection, you love it and want to take steps to rent it – so what happens next? In this week’s episode of the Talking Tenancies podcast, we discuss starting a tenancy with Sam Galer from the RTA.
A managing part is responsible for ensuring the property is fit to live in and in a good state of repair. A tenant is responsible for notifying their managing party in a timely manner if repairs are needed. Our expert from the RTA is Kimberley Galumalemana from the Quality and Training team.
In this episode, we look at what happens when a tenant leaves the property unexpectedly. It may be that a sole tenant or co-tenant has died, the property has been abandoned, or the tenant is unable to return to the property. Our expert from the RTA is Antonella Spatola from the Dispute Resolution team.
RTA Support Officer Ben Gerwald assists in taking an in-depth look at routine inspections, which can lead to some tricky conversations between parties.
The introduction of Web Services has made a significant difference to the RTA and the Queensland renting community providing a range of transactions that both managing parties and tenants can complete with us online, 24 hours a day/7 days a week. In this episode our RTA expert is Nasa Walton - Chief Digital Officer.
In this episode we take a look at rental bonds and the process around lodgement, refunds, disputes, increases and how the RTA supports tenants and property owners and managers throughout the life cycle of a bond. Our RTA expert in this episode is Matt Sturgess, Manager, Customer Experience.
Gardens & Maintenance during a tenancy can cause headaches for both tenants and property owners or managers if there is not clarity around responsibilities. In this episode we get into the nitty gritty of gardens and maintenance and answer some of the frequency asked questions we receive. Our RTA Expert in this episode is Sam Galer - Manager - Customer Experience.
The RTA empowers people across the state to navigate the rental market and provides a range of other services to ensure renting works for everyone. In this episode of Talking Tenancies we look at the RTA’s role in renting in Queensland with Acting Director – Customer Experience, Natalie Townsend.
A rental property is a tenant’s home. During a tenancy, the property manager or owner may need to enter for various reasons, for example to conduct a general inspection, to carry out repairs or allow potential tenants or buyers to view the property. However, under all circumstances, it is important to respect the tenant’s privacy and ensure their consent or permission for entry has been granted in advance. Our RTA expert in this episode is Sam Galer, Manager of Customer Experience.
In this episode we take a look at how bond money is managed at the RTA and where your bond money goes once it is lodged. Our expert from the RTA is Eric Stow, Financial Controller.
There’s a lot to remember when it comes to renting a property and it can be quite overwhelming if you’ve never done it before, trying to find your way on your own. Renting rules and legislation can vary quite a lot state to state, so first time renting in a different state also has its own challenges. We can help you to understand your rights and responsibilities in all stages of the tenancy and point out the resources available to help you make a home and settle in as quickly as possible.In this episode our expert from the RTA is: Sam Galer - Manager – Customer Experience.
The Residential Tenancies Authority – also known as the RTA is bringing you a podcast that covers everything you could possibly want to know about renting in Queensland. You’ll hear from industry experts and RTA staff who assist Queenslanders every day when it comes to bond management, dispute resolution, investigations and prosecutions, support and education services. If you are a tenant or a property manager in Queensland, this podcast will provide you with a wealth of information and give you the guidance in so many scenarios.Kicking off on February 10, you can subscribe and listen via Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.