Queensland landlord’s nightmare as squatter moves into property after paying outgoing tenant $3,000 for the keys – and police won’t remove her
A Queensland landlord says an unauthorised occupant moved into her property after the former tenant allegedly accepted $3,000 for handing over the keys. The dispute matters because the landlord says she has been unable to regain access despite contacting police, and fears further damage or unauthorised people entering the home.
Zhairah Charles says the occupant arrived on 7 October, six days after the previous tenant was due to leave, and claimed to have found the unit on Flatmates.com; Charles says the site had no listing. She says police attended and the woman agreed to leave, but she remained, and the property manager later found the apartment damaged. Charles says she has filed four police reports and been referred between police, the Residential Tenancies Authority and QCAT; Queensland guidance generally requires written permission to sublet, and owners can seek an urgent QCAT removal order.
- A landlord says a woman moved in after paying $3,000 for the keys.
- The occupant allegedly stayed after agreeing to leave.
- The landlord says she has filed four police reports.
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In Queensland, renting a home is governed by tenancy rules, which set out the rights and responsibilities of tenants and property owners. A tenant generally needs the owner’s written permission to sublet or transfer the tenancy, so an informal handover of keys does not by itself establish a right to live there.
Disputes can involve the police, Queensland’s Residential Tenancies Authority and the state tribunal, QCAT. The tribunal can make orders in tenancy matters, including urgent orders to remove someone occupying a property without permission. These processes matter because police attendance alone may not settle who has the legal right to occupy a home.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A landlord should be able to regain control of a home when a tenancy has ended and no new occupant has permission to live there; unauthorised occupation can expose the owner to damage, costs and safety concerns. Requiring clear consent for subletting and an effective route to remove unauthorised occupants protects property rights and gives tenants and landlords predictable rules.
The case against
An occupant’s claim to have been given the keys and paid money may point to a dispute involving the former tenant, rather than a straightforward break-in, so authorities may need to establish the facts and the person’s legal status before removing her. Requiring a formal process, such as an urgent tribunal order, can protect against wrongful eviction and ensure that any genuine tenancy or other rights are considered.