Latest News
11 Sep, 09
Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill
In May 2009 the Residential Tenancies Bill was introduced into Parliament in order to further clarify the rights and obligations between landlords and tenants. It is designed to encourage the development of a rental market that provides stable, quality housing to those who rent their homes. Until the Bill is passed into law the existing provisions of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 remain in force.
The changes include:
- extending the provisions of the Act to include tenants in boarding houses and some rented accommodation where meals or cleaning services are provided
- introducing common principles to indicate when landlords or tenants are responsible for charges such as water or rates
- introducing a more transparent process for terminating or renewing tenancies
- increasing the value of fines and exemplary damages to encourage landlords and tenants to comply with obligations under the Act
- providing for residential tenancy disputes to be resolved more quickly, fairly and cost effectively with improved dispute resolution processes
- improving the enforceability of Tenancy Tribunal Orders, and
- prohibiting tenants being charged ‘letting fees'.
