E-Petition

Queensland residents draws to the attention of the House over the past three years rents in Queensland have continued to soar to unprecedented highs. Tenants have been constantly experiencing exorbitant and unfair rent increases such as $100, $250 or even $350 a week or 25% or 50%. Such drastic rises underscore a market driven by greed, capitalising on individuals’ essential need for shelter. Once renowned for its affordability, Brisbane now ranks as the second most expensive city in Australia. The rapid rise in rents has pushed thousands of families onto the streets and even facing starvation in rental stress. The absence of rent stabilisation measures has left tenants vulnerable to unpredictable and often unmanageable rent hikes. 

We are facing a crisis that is not only unsustainable but also endangers peoples’ lives and the well-being of countless children. Merely limiting rent increases to once a year does not change that fact. Past measures have proven ineffective, as we continue to witness new record highs in rental prices and receive exorbitant rent hikes with no hope for the future.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to implement a rent stabilisation policy without delay. This policy should:

• establish a reasonable percentage limit for rent increases, ensuring security, predictability and fairness for all tenants. This protection should apply regardless of whether tenants are on periodic or fixed-term leases,

• protect tenants from no-grounds evictions upon lease renewal, a practice that has led to widespread homelessness and housing stress throughout Queensland.