IS THIS REALLY 'FAIRER SAFER HOUSING'?
In October 2017, the Government announced significant changes to the Residential Tenancies Act with 14 reforms outlined - all of which are tenant focused. Changes include:
- Removal of the 120-day Notice to Vacate for 'No Specified Reason';
- Limiting the use of 'end of fixed term' notices to vacate;
- Bond capped at one months' rent for all tenancies less than $760 per week;
- Landlords unable to unreasonably refuse consent for pets;
- Allowing tenants to make minor property modifications;
- Landlord and estate agent blacklist;
- Requiring pre-contractual disclosure by landlords regarding asbestos and intention to sell;
- A new Commissioner for Residential Tenancies;
- Early release of bonds by agreement before the end of a tenancy;
- Faster tenant reimbursement for urgent repairs;
- Automatic bond repayment within 14 days when a claim hasn't been lodged;
- Ban on rental bidding and rent bidding apps;
- Rent increases restricted to once per year; and
- Prohibiting false, misleading or deceptive representations by landlords or agents prior to a tenancy.