The Queensland Government has tightened fire safety regulations by closing a loophole which allowed budget hoteliers to sidestep safety standards if they did not provide meals as part of their accommodation.

The Building and Other Legislation Amendment Bill means backpacker hostels and high-occupancy student share houses will need to conform to fire safety standards and will face spot checks from councils and fire inspectors.

Deputy Premier Paul Lucas says the bill is targeting “dodgy landlords” who “house too many people in unsuitable accommodation and try to disguise it as something else”.