The Residential Tenancies Amendment (Long-term Tenancy Agreements) Act 2018 amends the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Principal Act), with changes taking effect from 1 February 2019.
The Amendment Act amends the Principal Act to apply to all fixed term tenancy agreements regardless of the tenancy period. Previously the Principal Act only applies to tenancy agreements with a term of 5 years or less.
In relation to bonds for long-term tenancies with a fixed term of more than 5 years, the landlord must not require an additional amount of bond more than once in any 5-year period of tenancy agreement.
Further reforms to the Principal Act through the Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill 2018 which have NOT yet been implemented are:
- Pets:
- Provisions allowing tenants to have a pet with the written consent of the landlord and the landlord’s consent may not be unreasonably withheld.
- Minor modifications to the rental property:
- Provisions allowing tenants to make certain modifications such as installing picture hooks without first obtaining the landlord’s consent.
- Higher standard for rental properties:
- The reforms will require every rental property to meet basic minimum standards such as functioning stoves, heating and toilets;
- Landlords will be required to undertake mandatory safety maintenance for gas, electricity and smoke alarms.
- Termination of Agreements:
- The Bill seeks to implement the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Family Violence for tenants in abusive situations. The reforms will include allowing such tenants to end a tenancy in violent situations without first obtaining a final intervention order.
Contact us if you have any queries about your rental agreement.
Cynthia Chan
03 9070 9896
cynthia@legal3.com.au
February 2019