Apartment and body corporate living has its own challenges and rewards. Living in close proximity to others calls for greater consideration and sensitivity, but being part of a tight-knit community can be greatly rewarding. 

In this week’s episode of the Talking Tenancies podcast, we discuss high density unit living with Sarah Halligan and Andison Lai and what you need to consider when renting a unit, apartment or townhouse in a complex.

The RTA’s Investigations function supports fairness in the rental sector through ensuring that all parties to a tenancy comply with the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act (the RTRA Act). We achieve this through taking a proactive approach to education, targeted compliance activities and investigations on behalf of customers into alleged breaches of the Act. The RTA is a regulator and is therefore committed to conducting investigations in a way that is fair and equitable to both parties. 

In this episode of Talking Tenancies, we explore the RTA’s Investigations function with Stuart Taylor.

A property becomes unliveable when it: 

• is fully, or partially, destroyed or 

It’s important to consider the liveability of a property on a case-by-case basis. When a property becomes unlivable, there are usually two options – to end the tenancy or to continue the tenancy. 

In this episode of Talking Tenancies, we discuss what can happen when a rental property becomes damaged or destroyed  with RTA Conciliator Ben Gerwald.

Lessors are allowed to pass on the full water consumption charges (including bulk water charges) to tenants provided they meet all the minimum criteria. 

At the start of the tenancy agreement, the managing party and tenant should negotiate arrangements for water charging and frequency of charges. 

In this episode of Talking Tenancies, we explore water charges and leaks in a rental property and discuss the rights and responsibilities of tenants and managing parties with RTA Customer Experience Acting Team Leader Michaela Alletsee.

Regular and open communication between parties in a tenancy is key to preventing disputes. If there is a dispute, it is best to be proactive, respectful and communicate clearly while negotiating and finding a resolution. Make sure you understand your rights and responsibilities under Queensland tenancy laws, and share information and knowledge with each other to work together. 

In this week’s episode of the Talking Tenancies podcast, we discuss self resolution steps with Shae Francis from Customer Experience at the RTA.

Tenants usually pay for services such as electricity, gas, phone and internet when renting a property. They may also be charged for water in some cases (conditions apply). In this episode of Talking Tenancies, we discuss the charges and responsibilities that apply to utilities in a rental property with Acting Customer Experience Team Leader, Jill Davidson.

Smoke alarms save lives. Reports have found that the risk of death in a house fire is reduced by more than half if properly maintained smoke alarms are installed. In this week’s episode of the Talking Tenancies podcast, we discuss the importance of smoke alarm maintenance and safety for tenants and managing parties with Senior Support Officer, Sarah Halligan.

When a rental property is for sale while it is occupied by a tenant, there are several scenarios that can take place, so it’s important to be informed on rights and responsibilities as a tenant and a property owner/manager. 

In this week’s episode of the Talking Tenancies podcast, we discuss what is required from all parties when a rental property is for sale with Matt Sturgess from Customer Experience at the RTA.

Sharing a tenancy or a rental property is a popular way to keep living expenses affordable. While this can be in the form of sub-letting or share housing, they can be vastly different to each other and may affect your rights and responsibilities under the legislation. 

In this week’s episode of the Talking Tenancies podcast, we discuss the differences between sub-letting and share housing  with Jill Davidson from Customer Experience at the RTA.

When tenancy disputes occur, the RTA encourages all parties to try to resolve disagreements by talking to each other. Often disputes arise when someone does not meet the terms of the tenancy agreement.

In this week’s episode of the Talking Tenancies podcast, we discuss the dispute resolution process with Shae Francis from Customer Experience at the RTA.