The Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2018 (Amendment Act) has been approved by the Victorian Parliament. This new law includes more than 130 reforms to the Residential Tenancies Act 1997. These reforms, however, will be implemented effective July 1st 2020 yet.
While the new legislation is yet to come into effect, the consultation process will continue to formulate guidelines and other important information. This will involve relevant stakeholders such as the landlords, renters and property managers.
The Residential Tenancies Act ensures the protection of renters in Victoria and outlines the responsibilities of landlords and property managers. It has undergone various changes through the years taking into account the rental market and the needs and expectations of both tenants and landlords.
Currently, around a third of private tenants across Australia are in long term agreements or those who have rented for more than 10 years. Many of them are families with children and older people on fixed incomes.
The 130 renting reforms approved in September by the Victorian Parliament were based on the fact the more Victorians are having difficulties owning a home and therefore, more likely to rent for the long term.
Among the reforms included in the new legislation are as follows:
- Renters can have a pet but with written consent from their landlord;
- Certain modifications can be made without consent from the landlord (these include installing picture hooks and furniture anchors to prevent TV units and other heavy objects falling on children);
- Removal of the no grounds eviction notice;
- Allowing domestic violence victims to break leases;
- Introducing minimum standards for every rental home;
- Limiting rent increases;
- Requiring landlords to carry out safety maintenance for gas, electricity, smoke alarms and pool fences.
Victoria is the first state in Australia to pass such private rental tenancy reforms.
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By Wendy Chamberlain
Copyright 2018 | All Rights Reserved
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With a passion for all things real estate spanning over 20 years, Wendy loves that her role as a Buyers Agent and Sellers Advocate gives her buying and selling clients an experienced voice they can trust when it comes to negotiating to buy or sell something as important as their home or investment. Wendy considers it a privilege to be asked to help others realise such an important goal as home ownership and to be trusted with that honour. Get in touch today via www.chamberlainadvocates.com.au for a no obligation chat about how Wendy can work with you and help you save time and money to secure your new home sooner.
