Proposed changes to tenancy and property owner laws 'lack balance'

The Real Estate Institute of Queensland says the State Government's proposed COVID-19 tenant and property owner protection package announced yesterday has forgotten Mum and Dad investors.

Housing Minister Mick de Brenni announced changes which propose a special pandemic related freeze on evictions, a waiver on rental payments and a ban on non-essential inspections and maintenance.

"Neither landlords nor tenants are to blame for this, and now is the time for them to work together to get through this pandemic" Mr de Brenni said.

But REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said the package had a sweeping range of tenancy protections and while the REIQ was supportive of tenants, "unfortunately todays' announcement is disappointing. What concerns us is a lack of support and protection mechanism for the owners," she said.

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