Here is a quick summary of the rental reforms being implemented by some of the State governments in 2020:
NSW
·
Landlords must ensure the property is
"structurally sound”
·
The property must contain private bathroom
facilities, adequate lighting, ventilation, gas & electricity.
·
New penalties will be introduced for landlords
who fail to maintain smoke alarms
·
Tenants can now make minor renovations
·
There are now set "break fees" for tenants who
cancel fixed-term agreements
VIC (Leases signed
after July 1 2020)
·
Landlords will not be able to evict tenants
without cause once a fixed-term agreement expires
·
A new blacklist for landlords will be created
·
Tenants will be able to make minor modifications
without consent
·
Rent increases (outside fixed-term leases) will
be limited to once a year
·
Landlords can only stop tenants having a pet if
they obtain an order from VCAT
ACT
·
Rent increases (outside fixed-term leases) will
be limited to once a year
·
Lease agreements cannot completely prohibit pets
·
Landlords can only stop tenants making minor
modifications if they obtain approval from the tribunal ( ie, installing
picture hooks, setting up a herb garden and installing blinds)
QLD
·
Landlords will need to provide reasonable grounds
for denying tenants having pets
·
All properties will need to meet a new minimum
standard
·
No-grounds evictions will be banned
·
Tenants experiencing domestic violence will be
able to end tenancies without the usual notice requirements
UseRealRenta to communicate with your tenants and take advantage of the automated
date and time –stamping for all transactions and interactions.
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your Free trial: https://app.realrenta.com/Signup.aspx
Jason Gwerder
Friday, 10 January 2020
