Stakeholders find common ground on minor modifications to rental properties

The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) and Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN) have co-hosted a stakeholder forum in preparation for flagged rental reforms encompassing minor modifications relating to disability, accessibility and safety.

The stakeholder forum held earlier this week bought together representatives from 16 organisations to discuss opportunities to understand diverse perspectives and work together to improve processes relating to minor modifications for people with disability in rental properties.

Both member advocate groups are keenly aware of the Queensland Government's upcoming stage two rental reforms, which are expected to address minor modifications in relation to rental properties.

Minor modifications were a hot button issue excluded from stage one of rental reforms due to the complexity involved in implementation and differing viewpoints from key stakeholders.

Now, key stakeholders are getting on the front foot to ensure their voices will be heard, to find matters and areas where they are in agreement. The forum included diverse voices including, people with disability, community and tenancy housing peak bodies, homelessness organisations, property owners/investors and property managers.

REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said the stakeholder forum allowed each organisation to benefit from gained perspective and better appreciate the shared areas of alignment in their respective positions.

“We hope to lead by example by initiating this crucial stakeholder consultation, to kick-start positive and open discussion that recognises the valuable input stakeholders bring to the table from the informed perspective of the members they represent,” Ms Mercorella said.

“The forum set out to unpick our pain points with the Queensland Government's recommended legislative changes, raise practical considerations that need to be ironed out, and ultimately to provide a well-rounded, considered approach in our individual feedback.”

QDN'S Acting CEO Michelle Moss commented, “We were pleased that the forum gave us the opportunity to discuss and find common ground on a number of issues,” she said.

“QDN members with disability appreciated putting their issues and concerns on the table and having this listened to and heard in the spirit of working together.”

QDN looks forward to finding a way forward to deliver disability minor modifications rental reforms that enable safety and accessibility for people with disability.

ENDS

Media enquiries:

REIQ, Claire Ryan, Media and Stakeholder Relations Manager

M: 0417 623 723 E: media@reiq.com.au

QDN, Steve Coulter, Media and Communications Manager

M: 0492 800 772