The significant reforms recently announced by the Andrews Government have caused concern amongst agents and landlords. Below is a quick snapshot of what the proposed changes are and what you can do to voice your opinion.

The 14 proposed changes include:

• Removal of the Notice to Vacate No Specific Reason providing tenants with 120 days’ notice to vacate
• Limiting the use of ‘end of fixed-term’ notice to vacate
• Bond capped at four weeks rent for all tenancies less than $760 per week
• Landlords unable to unreasonably refuse consent for pets
• Allowing tenants to make minor property modifications ie. putting up picture hooks or installing an air conditioner
• Landlords and agents blacklist
• Pre-contractual disclosure by landlords/PMs regarding asbestos and intentions to sell
• A new Commissioner for Residential Tenancies
• Early release of bonds by agreement before the end of tenancy
• Faster tenant reimbursement for urgent repairs (to be 7 days rather than 14 days)
• Automatic bond repayment within 14 days where a claim hasn’t be lodged
• Ban on rental bidding and rent bidding applications
• Rent increases restricted to once per year
• Prohibiting false, misleading or deceptive representation by landlords or agent prior to a tenancy

There has been a suggestion by the Andrews Government that these reforms will benefit landlords.

The REIV (Real Estate Institute of Victoria) believe the greatest issues are:

• Removal of the 120-day notice and limiting of end of fixed-term agreements
• Bond capping
• Loss of right to consent to pets and property modifications

To voice your opinion contact your local MP or the Governments Rent Fair Victoria website:
https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/resources-and-tools/legislation/public-consultations-and-reviews/fairer-safer-housing

Whitestar Property will keep you up to date with any changes.