If you are a tenant and you have been affected by the floods there is still something you can do!

The Residential Tenancies Act 1994 states that if the premises is destroyed or becomes completely or partly unfit to live in, due to reasons other than your breach of the agreement then you can give a Notice of Intention to Leave (Form 13) with 24 hours notice. Time frames apply to when the damage occurred.

If the premises is only partly unfit to live in you can negotiate with the lessor for a rent decrease.

If you are unable to reach a decision with your lessor about a rent reduction you can apply to the Residential Tenancy Authority's Dispute Resolution Service for assistance. In cases where you are still unable to reach an agreement you can apply to the Small Claims Tribunal for an order to be made about a rent decrease.

There are also processes set out in the Act if you are having problems getting repairs done at the premises or if there is a dispute over your bond, and if you are in a flooded area the Residential Tenancies Authority is handling these disputes with urgency.

To obtain advice on these matters and find out your rights as a tenant suffering from a natural disaster call The Tenants' Union of Queensland.

TUQ Statewide Tenancy Advice Line
Brisbane 3257 1108 or Regional 1800 177 761
Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm