Tenants will have freedom to keep pets

TENANTS would be given more freedom to keep pets and modify rental properties to make them feel more like a “home” under sweeping reforms being proposed in Queensland.

It can be revealed property owners wouldn’t be allowed to refuse pet applications unless they had sufficient grounds and tenants may be required to pay a bond for an animal, under the biggest rental reforms in 40 years to be announced today.

Renters would be allowed to install grab rails in bathrooms, furniture anchors, child safety gates and dead locks without seeking permission to better the security and safety of a property.

If they wanted to hang pictures, install light shades, window coverings or use water saving taps and shower heads, tenants would need permission.

However if the owner does not respond within seven days, permission would be granted.

Domestic violence victims would also be allowed to leave with seven days’ notice.

The proposed reforms, which the Government admits may increase rent from between $5 to $18 a week on a worst-case basis, follow community consultation last year when more than 135,000 responses were received during nine weeks. The Palaszczuk Government will today announce the proposed changes, which aim to protect both tenants and owners, will be rolled out across two stages.

Under the amendments, property owners would also no longer be able to end tenancies without grounds, however they will be able to for reasons including substantial renovations or the property being sold.

Information disclosure, which would allow someone with a disability to see how accessible a property is before renting it, has also been proposed. Stakeholders and the public will have six weeks from today to assess the regulatory impact statement.