Are you currently in a dispute concerning your residential tenancy? Don’t let the stress and complexity of tenancy disputes overwhelm you. Whether you’re a tenant or a homeowner, our Queensland residential tenancy dispute lawyers at Fox Piper are here to protect your rights and provide expert guidance. With a proven track record and decades of combined experience, we ensure superior representation and effective resolution of your tenancy disputes.
Book a consultation with us today to understand your legal standing, devise a winning strategy and achieve a favourable outcome.
Navigating the complexities of residential tenancy laws can be overwhelming for both tenants and landlords. Whether you’re dealing with payment issues, property condition disputes or eviction processes, Fox Piper has the expertise to help you resolve your dispute efficiently.
Our team has assisted clients with a wide range of tenancy disputes, ensuring fair outcomes and protecting their rights. We are dedicated to providing tailored legal solutions that address your specific needs and circumstances.
If you’re currently dealing with a residential tenancy dispute, book a consultation with us today. We’ll assess your situation, devise a strategic plan and provide the legal support you need to achieve a favourable resolution.
We offer comprehensive legal services for both tenants and landlords in Queensland. Our services include but are not limited to:
Step 1
Submit Your Enquiry
Provide us with details about your situation. We will assess to see how best we can help you. All enquiry submissions are confidential.
Step 2
Speak with a solicitor
We will take the time to understand your circumstances and give you guidance.
We will speak with you about your matter, give you options, and most importantly potential solutions.
Step 3
Post-consultation email
Tell us about your dispute, and our team will assess your enquiry and guide you on possible next steps. We’re here to help you navigate the process with clarity and confidence.
If your landlord is attempting to evict you without providing the proper notice as required by law, you should book a consultation with Fox Piper. We will ensure that the notice period and grounds for eviction comply with the legal requirements. If not, our lawyers can help you defend your rights and potentially delay or prevent the eviction.
Disputes over bond refunds are common and can often be resolved through the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) dispute resolution service. In some complex cases, you may want to book a consultation with Fox Piper. We can advise you and help prepare you for the dispute resolution process.
If you and your landlord cannot agree on the bond refund, Fox Piper can help you lodge a dispute with the RTA, which will attempt to mediate the issue. If mediation fails, the matter can be escalated to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) for a formal hearing. It is advisable to gather all relevant documentation, such as the condition report, receipts for repairs and any correspondence with your landlord to support your case.
Under legislation, landlords must provide proper notice before entering the rental premises, except in emergencies. The minimum notice period for entry has recently increased from 24 hours to 48 hours. If your landlord enters without notice, this may constitute a breach of your right to quiet enjoyment of the property. Seek legal advice to understand your options for protecting your privacy and rights.
Under the new laws effective from 6 June 2024, rent increases are limited to once every 12 months and are attached to the property rather than the tenancy. If your landlord attempts to increase the rent more than once within a 12-month period, Fox Piper can write to your landlord or property manager explaining the restrictions. We will also request evidence of the last rent increase in writing, which must be provided within 14 days.
No, under the new regulations effective from 6 June 2024, a property manager or owner cannot solicit, accept or invite a tenant to pay more than two weeks’ rent in advance for a periodic tenancy agreement. For fixed-term tenancy agreements, the maximum rent in advance is one month. If a landlord requests more than the allowed amount, they are in violation of the law, and penalties apply. Tenants can report such violations to the RTA for enforcement actions.
Under the new regulations effective from 6 June 2024, tenants must receive utility bills within a four-week timeframe unless the managing party has a reasonable excuse. If you receive a utility bill late or it includes charges for a period before your tenancy started, you are not required to pay those charges. If the landlord claims that they have a reasonable excuse, you should book with Fox Piper to give you advice as to whether you are liable to pay the utility bill or not.
If your landlord is not addressing necessary repairs, you should book a consultation with Fox Piper and we can detail the required repairs and requested action in writing, providing a reasonable timeframe in the circumstances.
If the landlord fails to respond or take action, we can assist you through the dispute resolution processes through the RTA, and if unsolved, assist you to apply to QCAT for an order requiring the landlord to carry out the repairs. It is important to keep records of all communications and any evidence of the needed repairs.
If you are experiencing excessive hardship and cannot continue paying rent, make a booking with Fox Piper. We can review your situation and consider whether you may be eligible to apply to QCAT to terminate the tenancy agreement. The tribunal will consider your financial situation and any other relevant circumstances.
It is advisable to gather evidence of your financial hardship, such as bank statements or letters from employers, to support your application. We can also try to negotiate with your landlord directly for a reduction in rent.
If your tenant is not paying rent on time, you should book a consultation with Fox Piper. We can communicate with your tenant to understand the reason for the delay. If the issue persists, we can issue a Notice to Remedy Breach, giving the tenant a specified period to pay the overdue rent. If the tenant fails to comply, you may issue a Notice to Leave for unremedied breach. If the tenant still does not vacate, we can assist you to apply to QCAT for an order to terminate the tenancy and obtain a warrant of possession.
Under the new laws effective from 6 June 2024, rent increases are limited to once every 12 months and are attached to the property rather than the tenancy. You must provide the tenant with written notice of the rent increase, including the date of the last rent increase. If the tenant requests evidence of the last rent increase, you must provide it within 14 days. If you are experiencing undue hardship, Fox Piper can consider whether you are eligible to apply to QCAT for permission to increase the rent within the 12-month period.
Under the new laws effective from 6 June 2024, landlords must provide a minimum of 48 hours’ notice before entering the property for inspections or repairs, except in emergencies. If a tenant refuses entry after proper notice has been given, you should make a booking with Fox Piper for assistance with applying to QCAT for an order allowing entry.
If there is a dispute over the bond at the end of the tenancy, you should first attempt to resolve the issue directly with the tenant. If an agreement cannot be reached, contact Fox Piper. We will help you can lodge a dispute with the RTA and prepare to mediate the issue. If mediation fails, the matter can be escalated to QCAT for a formal hearing. Ensure you have all relevant documentation, such as the condition report and receipts for repairs, to support your claim.
Yes, you can charge your tenant for utility bills, but under the new regulations, tenants must receive utility bills within a four-week timeframe unless you have a reasonable excuse. If you are outside of the four-week timeframe and the utility bill is more than our consultation fee, contact Fox Piper to assess whether you have a reasonable excuse.
If a tenant leaves goods behind after vacating the property, you must make reasonable efforts to contact the former tenant to arrange for the collection of the goods. If the tenant does not respond, you can follow the revised process for advertising and storing the goods. Contact Fox Piper prior to disposing of the goods.
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