New Queensland Tenancy Application Form Raises Red Flags for Property Owners

From 1 May 2025, a new standardised rental application form will be mandated for general tenancies across Queensland – and it’s already drawing serious concern from property professionals.

At Club Property Management, our responsibility is to stay across legislative changes and protect our clients’ investments. The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) has flagged multiple issues with this new form, which is part of the Stage 2 rental reforms introduced by the former state government and continued by the current LNP leadership.

Why This Matters to Investors

While reforms are often aimed at improving transparency and fairness, this new tenancy application form may unintentionally do the opposite. According to the REIQ, the form’s approach to Verification of Identity (VOI) sets up both tenants and landlords for failure by discouraging applicants from providing standard proof of ID.

Without proper identification, it becomes significantly harder for property managers to assess a tenant’s suitability. The ability to verify a potential tenant’s identity is not just a legal safeguard—it’s a critical step in protecting your asset.

Imagine approving a rental applicant who refuses to confirm their identity. If something goes wrong—be it rent default, damage, or dispute—you could be left without proper recourse. As the REIQ points out, "No property manager with professional integrity would hand over the keys to a total stranger."

Privacy vs Practicality

The new application form attempts to enhance tenant privacy, but at what cost? In daily life, ID checks are standard practice—from borrowing a book at the library to checking into a hotel. Applying for a tenancy, which involves handing over a valuable asset, should be no different.

This reform also introduces complications for co-tenancy applications, requiring multiple applicants to share the same form—raising privacy concerns between unrelated co- applicants. In an industry where privacy and professionalism go hand in hand, this approach is both impractical and unnecessary.

Risk to Investment Properties

The REIQ has highlighted that the new form could make it harder for property managers to gather fair and reasonable evidence during the application process. Assessing a tenant’s financial capacity and their ability to maintain the property is essential. Restricting access to this information increases the risk not only for owners, but also for tenants who may fail to meet expectations they were misled into believing were acceptable.

What Comes Next?

Although the REIQ initially supported the idea of a standardised application form, it has now lodged strong opposition to the current version and is urging the Queensland Government to reconsider before rollout. It also raised concern over the disconnect between state and federal requirements. While federal regulations are moving towards stricter ID checks for anti-fraud and anti-money laundering purposes, this state reform appears to contradict that direction.

What You Can Do as an Investor

If you own rental property in Queensland, it’s more important than ever to partner with a proactive and experienced property management team. At Club Property Management, we’re closely monitoring these changes and will ensure your investment remains protected throughout this transition.

For questions, concerns, or assistance with leasing under the new regulations, contact our expert team at leasing@clubpropertymanagement.com.au.