In a competitive rental market, some prospective tenants have felt pressure to offer more than the advertised rent in order to secure a property. Since June 2024, that practice has been firmly addressed: rent bidding is now banned in Queensland, and both landlords and property managers face serious consequences if they encourage or accept it.
Rent bidding occurs when a landlord or property manager solicits offers above the advertised rent, or when they knowingly accept an offer above that price. The law is clear that rental properties must be advertised at a fixed price, and that price cannot be treated as a starting point for negotiation.
This reform was introduced in recognition of the power imbalance that can exist in a tight rental market. When supply is low and demand is high, tenants who are desperate for housing may feel compelled to offer more than they can afford, simply to compete. Banning rent bidding helps level the playing field.
It’s worth noting that the ban applies to both explicit rent bidding — where an agent actively asks for offers above the advertised price — and passive encouragement, such as hinting that a higher offer would improve an applicant’s chances. Both are now off the table.
Related to this, landlords are also prohibited from requesting rent more than two weeks in advance for periodic tenancies, or more than one month in advance for fixed-term agreements. These protections ensure tenants aren’t required to part with large sums of money before even moving in.
Queensland’s rental market remains competitive, but it should also be fair. If you’re searching for a rental property or managing one, Sapphire Estate Agents Queensland will ensure every step of the process is fully compliant and transparent. Contact us today.
