Queensland Residential Tenancy Agreement Standard Lease Template

RESIDENTIAL TENANCY AGREEMENT (QLD)

Document Control

• Effective Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]
• Version: 1.0 (Q-RT-2024)
• Jurisdiction: Queensland, Australia
• Governing Legislation: Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (Qld)

1. LEGAL DISCLAIMER

NOTICE: This document is a template provided for informational purposes only. It is intended to align with the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (Qld). It does not constitute legal advice. Users are strictly advised to cross-reference this with the current Form 18a mandated by the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA). Failure to use the official RTA Form 18a may result in the agreement being unenforceable under QLD law.

2. PARTIES & DEFINITIONS

• Lessor: [Full Legal Name of Lessor/Company] (“Lessor”)
• Tenant(s): [Full Legal Name of Tenant 1], [Full Legal Name of Tenant 2] (“Tenant”)
• Premises: [Full Street Address, including Postcode] (“Premises”)
• Term: Commencing [Start Date] and ending [End Date] (Fixed Term) OR Periodic (Weekly/Monthly).
• Rent: $[Amount] per [Week/Fortnight/Month], payable via [Direct Debit/Bank Transfer].
• Bond: $[Amount], to be lodged with the RTA within 10 days of receipt.

3. OPERATIVE CLAUSES

1. Rent Payment: Rent must be paid in advance. The Tenant shall not accrue arrears exceeding [Number] days.
2. Bond: The Bond shall be held as security for the performance of the Tenant’s obligations. It shall be refunded subject to a final inspection and deductions for damages beyond fair wear and tear.
3. Outgoings: The Tenant is responsible for electricity, gas, and internet. The Lessor is responsible for council rates and major structural repairs.
4. Repairs & Maintenance: The Tenant must notify the Lessor of any defects immediately. Emergency repairs are governed by Section 214 of the Act.
5. Use of Premises: The Premises shall be used exclusively as a private residence. Sub-letting is prohibited without the express written consent of the Lessor.
6. Entry: The Lessor may enter the Premises only in accordance with the notice periods prescribed under the Act (e.g., 24 hours’ notice for general inspection).
7. Termination: Termination must occur via prescribed RTA notices. Abandonment or breach of contract will trigger legal recovery actions for loss of rent and re-letting costs.
8. Pets: The Tenant may keep pets only with written approval, subject to specific conditions as permitted by recent legislative updates.

4. SIGNATURES & ACKNOWLEDGMENT

By signing below, the parties confirm they have received the RTA "Pocket Guide for Tenants" (Form 17a) and understand their rights and obligations.

Lessor/Agent Signature: __________________________ Date: [DD/MM/YYYY] Print Name: [Name of Signatory]

Tenant 1 Signature: ____________________________ Date: [DD/MM/YYYY] Print Name: [Name of Tenant 1]

Tenant 2 Signature: ____________________________ Date: [DD/MM/YYYY] Print Name: [Name of Tenant 2]

5. EXECUTION & ENFORCEMENT GUIDE

1. Mandatory Form: Download and verify the official RTA Form 18a. Ensure the details captured above are transcribed onto the official statutory form.
2. Condition Report: Complete a comprehensive Entry Condition Report (Form 1a). You must attach date-stamped photographic evidence of the property’s condition at the start of the tenancy to protect your legal position.
3. Bond Lodgement: Transmit the Bond to the RTA using "RTA Web Services" within 10 days. Failure to lodge the bond is a breach of the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008.
4. Record Keeping: Retain a digital, signed copy of this agreement and all receipts for a minimum of 7 years post-tenancy to facilitate potential dispute resolution or tax audits.