The real estate industry’s peak body has sounded the alarm over a proposed reform to tenant laws, warning the change would set renters up for failure and make it even harder to secure a home amid the state’s already dire housing crisis.
The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) has “strongly opposed” a new standardised tenancy application form, which the peak body says takes privacy to “ludicrous” extremes.
The form, which comes into effect from May 1, risks renters chances of being accepted for a home by giving them the option not to supply identification when applying for a new tenancy, according to REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella.
“It is simply ludicrous to think a person should have the right to rent such a valuable asset without the need to prove they are in fact the person stated in the application form,” Ms Mercorella said.
“Property managers who are responsible for managing the vast majority of tenancy relationships in Queensland, may be negligent if they approved an application from a person who was unwilling to prove their identity.”
REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella
Ms Mercorella said the most glaring issue with the proposed form was its wording in relation to requirements surrounding verification of identity (VOI).
She said prospective tenants may not understand it was “in their best interests” to supply ID.
“The form positions VOI in such a way that it would have applicants believe that they should exercise their right to refuse to provide proof of identification to support a tenancy application,” she said.
“You can’t so much as open a library account to borrow a book without needing to show identification to confirm your identity.
“The same goes for checking in to a hotel, hiring a car, renting a scooter, and joining a gym where providing ID is routine because it serves an important purpose in protecting against damage and theft and ensuring safety and compliance.”
The change could make it even harder for tenants struggling to secure a home while rental vacancy in QLD hovers around one per cent
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The sentiment was shared by property managers during a recent education roadshow by the REIQ.
“By limiting the information that can be obtained to reasonably determine these matters puts all stakeholders at risk – the owner, the tenant and the property manager.”
While the REIQ was in support of the concept of a standardised tenancy application form, the proposed document had several shortcomings, Ms Mercorella said.
The proposal is part of the former State Government’s stage two rental reforms, now carried forward by the LNP.
The new laws come into effect on May 1
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