November 2024
Menu
The timeline below summarises relevant legislative and industry changes affecting body corporate stakeholders in #insert state#. It includes helpful links and further reading to help you understand QLD legislative changes.
November 2024
The Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024, given Assent on 6 June 2024, will gradually implement changes to the current rental laws. The existing rental laws will remain operative until these changes are fully effective.
These new reforms aim to introduce stricter guidelines for landlords and strengthen renter rights in Queensland. These updated laws include:
With the latest reforms, renters must be offered an easily accessible, fee-free option for paying rent. This makes the payment process fairer, more affordable, and more convenient. In the past, renters might have been forced to use rent payment methods that weren’t convenient, leading to additional costs beyond typical transaction fees.
In some cases, rental property owners can pass some service charges onto their tenants. However, new laws now require landlords and managers to provide renters with utility bills they’re responsible for under the agreement within four weeks of receiving the bill. If the bill isn’t delivered within this timeframe, the renter isn’t obligated to pay it. Previously, tenants might have received numerous bills simultaneously, often at the end of their tenancy. This could result in unexpectedly high costs and hinder renters’ ability to monitor their usage.
Renters who wish to end a fixed-term agreement early may be asked to cover the rental property owner’s reletting costs, which will now be capped based on the remaining lease duration. Previous rental laws offered little guidance on governing these amounts, which usually discouraged tenants from committing to long-term leases.
Read on to learn more about these changes and how they might impact your situation.
November 2024
The Strata Resilience Program is a cooperative state and federal government venture to support properties in cyclone-risk areas. Eligible body corporates in Central and North Queensland can apply for a grant, covering up to 75% of improvement costs.
This program extends its support to body corporate properties that meet the following requirements:
Backed with a substantial $60 million grant from both the Australian and Queensland Governments, eligible body corporates have the opportunity to apply for grants covering up to 75% of the cost for approved enhancements, with a limit of up to $150,000. Approved bodies corporate are required to contribute 25% towards the works.
The improvements available are used exclusively to enhance resilience, guided by the strata title inspection report through the James Cook University Cyclone Testing Station. These include upgrades to:
The Strata Resilience Program offers more than just cyclone protection. Among its many benefits, it could potentially have a positive impact on your insurance premiums. Lowering risk and potential damages from disasters and may lead to significant insurance cost reductions. Check the program’s requirements, evaluate your eligibility and apply today to help safeguard your property against extreme weather events.
November 2024
Understanding body corporate legislation can be a daunting task for committee members. But now, a free online course offered by the Queensland government is here to help.
This training tool is designed to help committee members understand their rights, responsibilities, and duties following body corporate legislation. Best of all, it’s available to everyone and can be completed at your own pace.
1. Committees.
2. Committee meetings.
3. General meetings.
4. Financial management.
5. Maintenance.
6. By-laws.
Embark on this learning journey today and equip yourself with the knowledge to navigate body corporate legislation. Learn more about this free course below.
November 2024
To help ease the cost of living pressures, the Commonwealth Government is extending and expanding the Energy Relief Fund by allocating $3.5 billion toward providing electricity bill rebates to Australian households for the 2024-25 financial year. This is an upswing from the $1.5 billion offered in the previous 2023-24 program.
Under this scheme, all eligible Australian households may be entitled to a $300 rebate, which the state government will deliver via retailers. These payments would take the form of deductions on your electricity bill and will be evenly distributed into quarterly instalments throughout 2024-25.
Starting 1 July 2024, these payments would be automatically deducted as a lump sum credit or quarterly instalments, depending on when your bill is issued.
This rebate is a unique opportunity for landlords, property managers, and body corporates who typically receive electricity bills from providers servicing multiple properties (an embedded network provider). To be eligible, residential customers must fulfil the following requirements:
Have an electricity account with their electricity retailer or receive electricity bills from an embedded network provider on 1 July 2024.
They are individually charged for their electricity usage through a separate meter.
There is no need to apply as the embedded network provider will lodge a claim with their retailer on behalf of landlords and the body corporates. Below are the census dates that retailers should be providing the rebates.
Quarter 1: 31 July 2024
Quarter 2: 1 October 2024
Quarter 3: 1 January 2025
Quarter 4: 1 April 2025
However, please note that rebates could take several months to appear on your bill. Contact your embedded network operator if you haven’t received the rebate by 31 December 2024.
Keen to understand how the expanded Energy Bill Relief Fund could benefit you? Read more to learn more about this initiative and access factsheets and Q&As below.
November 2024
As our communities become closer and more interconnected, so does our reliance on electrically powered devices. One area of innovation that has seen remarkable growth is electric micro-mobility. Light electric vehicles (LEVs) such as e-bikes, e-scooters, e-skateboards, and self-balancing scooters have become more common in some daily transport routines. However, the lithium-ion batteries powering these devices pose growing fire safety concerns.
Charging e-bike or e-scooter batteries can lead to overheating and, in rare cases, fire hazards. It is crucial to use chargers provided by the manufacturer and avoid charging devices overnight or unattended. Low-quality chargers, faulty batteries, or inappropriate charging practices may significantly increase the risk.
In the face of the heightened focus on the hazards associated with these devices, all residents within body corporates need to practice safe usage within their communities. Here are some proactive steps to help minimise fire risks:
Learn more about how to promote lithium-ion battery safety on your property through the QLD government website below.
August 2024
The Queensland government has kickstarted plans to help provide households with financial relief to ease the pressure of living costs.
Starting 1 July 2024, a $1000 rebate will kick in automatically for eligible customers. This payment will be a lump-sum credit under the electricity bill’s ‘Queensland Government Cost of Living Rebate’ section.
This rebate is a unique opportunity for landlords, property managers, and body corporates who typically receive electricity bills from providers servicing multiple properties (an embedded network provider). To be eligible, residential customers must fulfil the following requirements:
There is no need to apply as the embedded network provider will lodge a claim with their retailer on behalf of landlords and body corporates. However, please note that rebates could take several months to appear on your bill. Contact your embedded network operator if you haven’t received the rebate by 31 December 2024.
Learn more about the Queensland cost of living initiative below.
August 2024
The Queensland Government is forging significant rental law reforms to provide stricter guidelines for tenancies. These changes will be gradually rolled out, with the first stage already taking effect on 6 June 2024.
Rent bidding, a once-common practice where prospective tenants outbid each other to secure a property, has also been effectively banned under the new law. This new regulation has introduced penalties for owners who invite and accept offers above the advertised amount and advance payments before the tenancy.
To help stabilise the market for tenants, the 12-month minimum limit on rental increases now applies to the property, not the tenancy. Previously, landlords could hike prices when an agreement ends. This change now means landlords can no longer increase their rent despite any tenancy changes within 12 months.
However, exemptions can be made for owners who provide community or crisis accommodation who face financial hardship due to these restrictions or provide community/crisis accommodation. Information can be found here.
With these new laws around rental increases, owners are now mandated to include the day of the last rent increase on tenancy agreements. Unless exempt, owners must provide evidence of the last rent increase within 14 days if the tenant requests this.
An additional series of reforms will be gradually introduced soon, focusing on improving the following aspects for renters:
Through this series of comprehensive changes, Queensland is leading the way to a balanced and equitable rental sector that champions the rights of renters without discounting the interests of property owners. Follow the link below for further updates and details on these ongoing reforms.
August 2024
Last year, The Housing Legislation Amendment Act 2021 (HLA Act) introduced significant reforms that enforced guidelines on minimum housing standards for new tenancies.
However, the bar is set to rise again starting on 1 September 2024, with these building regulations now expanding for all tenancies, not just new leases. This means that all owners with rental properties are now mandated to meet specific standards across the following key areas:
Some landlords may need to invest time and money to meet these standards. Although this may seem like a tedious task, reviewing your property to meet these guidelines is not only important to prevent penalties, but it can also help improve your property’s value over time.
Furthermore, landlords are also responsible for creating a safe, comfortable living environment for our renters. Therefore, meeting these guidelines would help make your property attractive to potential renters, boosting occupancy rates and rental income.
Learn more about the minimum housing standards and the steps you can take today to make your properties compliant.
August 2024
As the digital world grows and evolves, so does the threat of cybercrime. As body corporate residents, safeguarding our digital footprint is essential in maintaining the security and integrity of our shared online spaces.
With the Australian government unveiling its 2023-2030 Cyber Security Strategy, a new era of digital protection is on the horizon, aiming to place Australia at the forefront of global cyber security by 2030.
This initiative aims to enhance our nation’s cyber security, manage cyber risks, and better support citizens and businesses in navigating the complex cyber environment. However, within this broader narrative, the crucial role of multi-factor authentication (MFA) for body corporate residents comes into sharp focus.
MFA provides an effective tool to help protect against unwarranted access by implementing multiple verification methods, adding an essential layer to your digital defence.
MFA apps, such as Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator, generate temporary codes, also known as tokens or one-time passwords (OTPs), that you use as the second step in the authentication process. When you log into an online account, you enter the code provided by the MFA app to verify your identity. It adds an extra layer of protection to your online accounts. Even if someone obtains your password, they still need a second form of identification to access your data.
In body corporate communities, where shared network environments are common, the need for robust personal digital security mechanisms is more important than ever. Here’s how MFA can be used to protect the information of residents within a body corporate:
The process and capability to set up an MFA depends on the software or service provider the body corporate uses. Read more about how to set up MFA and why the Australian Government endorses MFA as a secure measure to protect your online identity.
August 2024
In 2023, Australia experienced a noticeable rise in payment redirect scams, leading to unfortunate financial losses for many. To curb the incidence of such scams, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) advised verifying payment requests before completing transactions.
In our continuous effort to protect against fraud, our team has a mandatory procedure to validate payment details over the phone. This process includes requests such as reimbursements or contractor registrations, serving as an integral security step before they complete the transaction for the body corporate.
Phone validation is critical in confirming the authenticity of bank details and the legitimacy of requests. Taking a few extra moments to confirm payment information when our team issues a call can help add protection against potential fraud, especially for larger payments.
If you are an existing customer with any questions, don’t hesitate to contact our support team for more information on this process.
May 2024
In an important development, application fees have been adjusted by the Building Units and Group Titles Act (BUGTA), aiming to streamline the dispute resolution process. These changes follow amendments to the Body Corporate and Community Management Regulation 2008 and the Building Units and Group Titles Regulation 2008.
From January 2024, these modifications have led to a 20% increase in application fees lodged with the Body Corporate and Community Management Commission. These alterations coincide with requirements outlined by the Queensland Treasury to balance funding obtained for BUGTA reforms,
As a result, this funding increased the number of staff members who managed enquiries. These changes are likely to benefit all parties involved, leading to faster and more efficient outcomes and speed within the dispute resolution process.
This new direction taken by the BUGTA is set to revolutionise how dispute resolutions are handled, promising a faster and more streamlined approach. Stay updated about these changes and learn more about the trending topics around the BUGTA 2022 amendments.
May 2024
On 21 March 2024, the Queensland Government proclaimed new laws under the Body Corporate and Community Management and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2023 (BCCMOLA Act). These new provisions take effect from 1 May 2024, impacting the following three areas within body corporate operations:
In the past, a unanimous agreement was necessary to terminate a community title scheme. However, new laws now enable termination for financial reasons, even against some owners’ wishes. Instead, an explicit termination plan, including reasons and compensation details for owners, must be created and shared. After the waiting period, a vote on the termination can commence. Opposing owners can dispute the decision with an adjudicator or in district court.
One significant update allows body corporates to introduce by-laws prohibiting smoking in common areas and exterior sections like patios and balconies, promoting cleaner and healthier environments within the community. These rules, however, won’t extend to the interior sections of individual lots.
The new laws prohibit banning or restricting pets’ number, breed, or size. For properties where approval is needed, the body corporate must provide written conditions of approval and should not unreasonably deny applications.
Lastly, the amended laws offer vehicle owners further clarity, promoting a more organised and orderly shared space. Under the BCCM Act, this update provides more explicit guidelines that do not limit body corporates from removing vehicles from common property if deemed necessary.
Read more to explore the new laws impacting body corporate communities in Queensland.
February 2024
As part of the 2024 Property Revaluation Program announced by the Valuer-General in September 2023, several local government areas in Queensland will undergo property valuation.
Given the escalating property market, a considerable valuation increase is anticipated. Areas included in this program span South East Queensland, encompassing Gold Coast, Moreton Bay, Redlands, Somerset, and Sunshine Coast. In addition, numerous regional areas such as Banana, Barcoo, Bulloo, Bundaberg, Central Highlands, Cook, Diamantina, Fraser Coast, Goondiwindi, Isaac, Livingstone, Longreach, Torres, Whitsunday, and Winton.
Since the previous valuation, assessors from the State Valuation Service will undertake the appraisal process, including field surveys, desktop assessments, and property sales analysis.
These assessments will mirror land values as of 1 October 2023 and will be formalised by 31 March 2024, with the new valuations taking effect from 30 June 2024.
Upon receipt of this notice, the body corporate must evaluate the justifiability of the increase and consider lodging an objection within 60 days if there’s a disagreement with the new valuations.
These annual land valuation notices play a role in determining potential land tax liabilities under the Land Tax Act 2010 (Qld) and facilitating local government rates. Therefore, body corporates are encouraged to diligently track their new and prior site valuations and raise concerns if significant discrepancies are identified.
Read on to explore essential information to help understand these areas’ upcoming 2024 land valuations.
November 2023
On 14 November, the Queensland Government passed the Body Corporate and Community Management and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023, marking a significant shift in body corporate laws aimed at boosting confidence and protection for residents and buyers. These reforms provide legislative changes safeguarding owners and buyers across several vital areas:
New provisions make terminating an uneconomical or dilapidated community title scheme easier by reducing the unanimous termination requirement from 100% to 75% when the body corporate determines that maintaining or repairing the scheme isn’t economically viable.
Body corporates can now enforce new by-laws to prohibit smoking, including vaping, on common property or outdoor areas such as balconies.
Body corporates are now prevented from creating by-laws that impose a blanket ban on pets within community title schemes.
Clarity and power have been granted to body corporates to enable the timely towing of vehicles from common property.
Under the previous legislation, developers could utilise sunset clauses to terminate an ‘off the plan’ land purchase agreement if the settlement didn’t occur within a defined period. The new laws restrict developers’ ability to invoke these clauses, offering enhanced protection and confidence to prospective buyers.
This reform empowers an adjudicator to sanction alternative insurance for a body corporate when it cannot meet the required level of insurance for specific buildings.
These changes signify a significant stride towards enhancing the living experience in body corporate communities throughout Queensland. Click the link for insights into the Body Corporate and Community Management and Other Legislation Amendment Bill reforms.
November 2023
We are delighted to announce that BCS Strata Queensland team member’s commitment to industry excellence has been recognised with four nominations and won two prestigious awards at the 2023 Strata Community Association (Qld) Awards for Excellence held on 10 November.
Our distinguished award recipients are as follows:
Our noteworthy finalists who represented PICA Group at the awards with commendable dignity include:
These accolades are a testament to our team’s unwavering dedication and exceptional service to the strata industry and to the BCS Strata.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all our winners and finalists for their outstanding achievements. Their recognition rightly showcases our ongoing pursuit of delivering services that enhance the local communities that we manage. Our warmest congratulations go out to all, and we look forward to continued success in our endeavours.
Follow the link below to view our team’s achievements and award wins.
November 2023
A major legislative milestone has been achieved in Queensland as the new property laws replace The Property Law 1974. Passed in Parliament, this signals a shift in the state’s property sector and offers a more streamlined and modern transaction framework.
The newly enacted laws include introducing a compulsory seller disclosure scheme designed to help home buyers receive all essential property information before deciding on freehold land.
Under the new legislation, it will be obligatory for sellers to provide buyers with a disclosure statement along with any relevant prescribed certificates, such as a body corporate certificate (if applicable).
In addition, the Property Law Bill addresses areas of uncertainty that have cropped up over the years. It introduces updates and improvements to existing property laws, including:
Read more about the new property laws set to replace the Property Law Act 1974 by following the link below.
November 2023
In a landmark move to tackle housing shortage issues, Australia’s first short-term rental levy was introduced by the Victorian state government, declaring a 7.5% levy from 2025 on all revenue from short-stay accommodation platforms, such as Airbnb.
This move has quickly become the central point of discussion across Australia and could signify a paradigm shift in the management and pricing strategies for short-term rentals. As states consider various approaches to address the housing crisis, the Victorian-style Airbnb tax is emerging as a topic of interest and a potential solution for the housing crisis.
The Queensland government is mulling over mirroring this state-wide levy on short-stay accommodation providers, such as Airbnb and Stayz, to re-examine its short-term rental sector regulations.
Since Airbnb’s Australian launch in 2012, it has only been in recent years that government bodies nationwide have started investigating its impact, along with other similar platforms. The growing scrutiny stems from a shift in use from spare room sharing to professional whole-property management, escalating concerns over housing availability and affordability.
Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon expressed interest in the Victorian plan and pointed out that Queensland is already implementing several measures included in the plan. However, she described the situation with developers holding over 60,000 approved but not yet marketed lots in south-east Queensland as a “complex issue”. She acknowledged that construction and supply-chain constraints are putting pressure on the development industry and suggested that any interventions must consider the total economic context.
The newly proposed levy and its possible implications will undoubtedly play a significant role in the evolution of the short-term rental landscape in Queensland.
Head office
Level 27, 66-68 Goulburn Street, Sydney, NSW 2000
Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm