POAQ

The Property Owners' Association of Queensland Inc. (POAQ) is a long established organisation with a history of service in protecting the rights of Queensland property owners, dating back to 1916 and the First World War.

The POAQ is a not-for-profit incorporated association managed by a volunteer Executive Committee of elected members, representing the interests of those people involved in housing over 30% of Queensland's householders in private rental dwellings.

Membership is open to any person with an interest in rental property including property investors and property management personnel.

Update on Stage 2 Rental Reforms  
  

On the 4th February 2024 the government announced key stage 2 rental reforms. These include a rental sector Code of Conduct, a prescribed form for rental applications, portable bond scheme, banning rent bidding, applying annual rent increases to the property, and allowing renters to make modifications. For an overview, see the Stage 2 Rental Law Reform Options Paper (PDF, 843.23 KB).

On the 21 March 2024 the Reforms were introduced to Parliament as the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024. Parliament has referred to Bill to the Housing, Big Build and Manufacturing Committee for detailed consideration and report. The POAQ has made a submission to the HBBM Committee. Submissions closed on 10 April 2024. The POAQ President has also written a response/submission on the proposed Bill, outlining the parts that concern us most, see the POAQ Response to the Bill (or download as a PDF). 103 Submissions were received by the HBBM Committee, they can be viewed here. A large number of submissions were made by individual landlords, the POAQ thanks landlords who took the time and effort to make a submission.

     
Land Tax Threshold Petition
  

The POAQ has lodged a petition with the Queensland Parliament to raise the land tax threshold to reflect the increase in land valuations since 2008. We urge everyone, especially property owners, to sign the petition, The petition can be viewed and signed via the Queensland Parliament E-Petitions Site.

Land Valuations
  

On 26 March 2024, the Valuer-General issued new land valuations to 20 local government areas (LGAs) in Queensland. These land valuations are used to calculate both state land tax and local government rates. Landowner have 60 days from the date of the notice to lodge an objection. The first place to start when considering an objection or for land valuation information is the Queensland Government Land Valuation Page.

Upcoming Seminar
  

The next POAQ Seminar will be held on Tuesday 23 July 2024 at the Chermside Library, starting from 6.45pm. The topic and speaker is to be advised.

     
Housing Crisis likely to continue - POAQ Media Statement
  
     
Stage 1 Changes to Rental Laws  
  

On Wednesday 20 October 2021 the Queensland Parliament enacted the Housing Legislation Amendment Bill 2021. It amends the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 and changes some of the rules for renting in Queensland. The provisions concerning domestic and family violence took effect immediately on 20 October 2021. Provisions regarding terminations, repair orders and pets took effect at the start 1 October 2022.

Minimum Housing Standards will apply to new leases entered into from 1 September 2023 and all tenancies from 1 September 2024, which require:

-  the premises to be weatherproof and structurally sound
-  fixtures and fittings to be in good repair and not likely to cause injury to a person
-  locks on windows and doors
-  the premises to be free of vermin, damp and mould
-  privacy coverings
-  adequate plumbing and drainage
-  functioning kitchen and laundry facilities (where supplied).

 For more information, see the Rental Law Reform information from the RTA.

     
Online Membership Renewal
  

Members can now conveniently Renew Membership Online, and pay with Visa or MasterCard via PayPal

     
Natural Disasters - Resources for Property Owners 
  

The POAQ has also compiled a page with links to other resources to help prepare for and respond to natural disasters, see Natural Disaster Information for Property Owners.

     
Contact Us - Phone 
  

Office, for secretariat and general enquires: (07) 3848 7338

Media Contact (Bruce McBryde): (07) 3378 4991