The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) has welcomed the re-release of a revised standardised tenancy application form, following critical feedback and advocacy from the property sector.
The updated form, which will be mandatory from May 1 for general tenancies in Queensland, comes as part of the final phase of the former state government’s stage two rental reforms, now being advanced by the LNP.
This update aligns with broader efforts to improve rental processes and tenant protections, including initiatives such as the Priority Project, which provides urgent housing support for survivors of domestic and family violence.
REIQ publicly voiced concerns three weeks ago after the initial version of the form was released without proper stakeholder consultation. The draft form included issues around verification of identity (VOI) requirements and other wording problems.
“We highlighted that the initial version of the form could cause significant risk for property owners and their managers, as well as potentially undermining the prospects of success for applicants seeking to rent property in Queensland,” said REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella (pictured).
REIQ responded swiftly, submitting 19 formal recommendations, all of which were adopted in the revised form.
Mercorella praised the response from Housing Minister Sam O’Connor
“After receiving the REIQ’s feedback, Minister O’Connor acted quickly, engaging with the peak body to assess our concerns, including those centred around VOI,” she said.
“As a result, the form was promptly removed from the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) website while revisions were considered and input sought from relevant stakeholders involved in the tenancy sector.”
REIQ said the revised tenancy application form is now fit for purpose, aligning with both legislation and on-the-ground operational needs.
“We are pleased to report that common sense has prevailed,” Mercorella said. “The updated form now better reflects the legislation and the real-world needs of property managers and owners who rely on proper identification checks to manage risk and ensure tenant accountability.
“The new form strikes the right balance – tenants have a right to privacy, but property investors also have a right to know who is renting their valuable investment property.”
Mercorella acknowledged the collaborative efforts that led to a more workable outcome.
“We are delighted that the Housing Minister has demonstrated leadership and commitment to healthy collaboration and constructive consultation,” she said.
“This positive outcome underscores the importance of meaningful stakeholder consultation, and we are grateful for the minister’s timely intervention and willingness to work with the REIQ and the residential tenancies sector to ensure that the final form is practical, fair and balanced.”
Mercorella said. also emphasised the vital role of property managers in shaping the process.
“As the primary party responsible for processing tenancy application forms, property managers are essential stakeholders in this form’s development,” she said.
“We trust the property managers we represent in all corners of Queensland will be relieved by the final version of the form, and we thank them for their ongoing engagement with us so we could effectively advocate on their behalf.”
The revised standardised rental application form is now available for download on the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) website here.
