Rooming accommodation checklists

Rooming accommodation tenancy agreements accounted for over 18,000 of all Queensland tenancies in the 2021–22 financial year, according to the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA).

Rooming accommodation is residential accommodation where each resident can only occupy one or more rooms on the premises as agreed, rather than the whole premises.

>> READ MORE: CHANGES TO ROOMING ACCOMMODATION APPROVALS

There are five types of rooming accommodation:

1. Student accommodation
2. Boarding houses and supported accommodation
3. Room only accommodation provided by an employer
4. Room only accommodation provided by licenced premises
5. Room only accommodation in a premises where there are four or more rooms rented out and the provider lives on the premises.

Under the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 a Rooming accommodation agreement (Form R18) must be signed and completed to allow a resident to use in the room/s as their home. The law says agreements must be in writing.

In December last year, the Queensland Government lifted a requirement for local government planning approval, under certain conditions, to make providing rooming accommodation easier.

By removing the requirement, providing other requirements are met, the state government can accelerate the development of rooming accommodation in areas where residential development is expected.

To better support those in rooming accommodation agreements within the Queensland rental sector, the RTA has created four new rooming accommodation checklists to help providers and residents.

>> READ MORE: GUIDE TO RENTING WITH PETS

1. Provider/manager checklist

This checklist for rooming accommodation providers/managers provides a list of things they are required to do at the beginning and end of a tenancy. There are also reminders of key things to be aware of during a tenancy.

2. Resident checklist for supported accommodation and boarding house residents

This is an easy-read introduction to things residents need to know about renting in rooming accommodation. The checklist tells them the most important things to do before starting a tenancy, when they start a tenancy, during a tenancy and at the end of a tenancy.

3. Resident checklist for starting a tenancy

This checklist helps residents make sure they understand a rooming accommodation agreement before they sign it and have all the paperwork and access they need when starting a rooming accommodation tenancy.

4. Resident checklist for during and ending a tenancy

This resource has reminders and tips about key rights and responsibilities during a resident’s tenancy. There is also a checklist showing what to do at the end of their tenancy.

For more information visit the RTA website.