Training for Queensland Property Managers: Adapting to Legislation Changes

Keeping up with changing legislation is important in property management. In Queensland, recent rental law reforms have brought about significant updates that every property manager must be across. These changes aren't just about compliance—they're about ensuring your team is well-prepared to manage properties within the boundaries of the law. In this article, I’ll break down why ongoing training is necessary and how it can help your property management business stay compliant.

Understanding the Latest Changes

As you know, the rules governing property management don’t always stay the same. They shift and adapt at times, and it’s our job to know the latest developments. In Queensland, recent reforms have changed how we approach rental increases and set minimum standards for housing, among many other changes. These changes became law on 6th June 2024, and as of 1st September 2023, minimum housing standards are also in place. If your processes aren’t adjusted to align with these updates, you risk non-compliance, which could lead to penalties.

According to the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ), these new laws are “developed to broaden Queensland’s residential tenancy laws while making sure it is viable for property owners to provide housing options,” which means we need to ensure both parties are protected under these rules.

REIQ also noted that minimum housing standards will come into effect for all remaining tenancies on 1 September 2024.

The Importance of Ongoing Training

Training your team isn’t just about understanding these new laws—it’s about applying them correctly in every situation. Whether it’s managing rent increases or ensuring properties meet the new minimum standards, everyone on your team needs to be up to speed.

One of the critical updates you need to be aware of involves rent increases. Under the new regulations, rent in Queensland can only be increased once per year. This rule applies to the property, not the tenancy. So even if you get a new tenant, you can’t raise the rent if it’s already been increased in the last 12 months. This change aims to protect tenants, but it also means that as property managers, we need to be meticulous in tracking when the last increase occurred.

Adjusting Your Processes

With these changes, it’s essential to review how your current systems operate. For instance, how are you tracking rent increases? Are your processes automated, or do they require manual input? It’s easy to overlook these details, but doing so can lead to serious consequences.

The new minimum housing standards also demand attention. These standards ensure that all rental properties meet certain criteria, such as structural integrity, proper ventilation, and adequate safety measures like smoke alarms. It’s our responsibility to make sure all properties under management not only meet these standards but continue to do so over time.

Your team should be equipped to handle these tasks efficiently. This might mean creating new checklists, updating your property management software, or even revising how you communicate with tenants. It’s about making sure that every aspect of your management process aligns with the new laws.

Getting the Right Support

If you’re finding these changes challenging, don’t hesitate to seek help. Consulting with experts who specialise in property management compliance can make the process smoother. My focus at Pulse PM Consulting is to offer advice that is fit to your needs, making sure that your property management department does not just follow regulations but also runs efficiently.

Making sure your team is trained and your processes are in line with current legislation isn’t just about avoiding fines; it’s about protecting your business and ensuring it thrives.

Keep Informed and Compliant

Legislation will continue to change, and as property managers, we need to keep ourselves updated with the latest developments and prepared.?

Ongoing training is important to be able to adapt through these legislative changes successfully. Through making sure that your team is knowledgeable and your processes are aligned with the law, you can continue to deliver exceptional service to your clients. If you’re ready to review your property management systems and ensure everything’s in order. Click here to book a chat with me about reviewing your property management systems.