This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
VICTORIA’S Allan government is legislating new rights for renters with additional reforms to give more power to regulators to stamp down on excessive rent increases subpar rental properties.
The Allan government will introduce the Consumer and Planning Legislation Amendment (Housing Statement Reform) Bill to state parliament, which will include renters’ rights already announced in the Housing Statement and in October this year.
With the government to expand the list of factors considered by Consumer Affairs Victoria and VCAT in rent reviews, with the size of the rent increase included and whether a landlord has maintained a property before the hike.
The bill includes banning no-fault evictions and rental bidding; increasing the notice period for both rent increases and notices to vacate to 90 days; introducing obligations around the use, collection and destruction of renters’ information; require 12 monthly smoke alarm checks and ban third part businesses from charging extra fees to pay your rent or apply for a rental.
This is on top of the introduction of mandatory training licensing and registration for real estate agents, property managers, conveyancers and owners corp managers; the introduction of tougher penalties for real estate agents; and the establishment of Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria.
“We’re building more homes for renters to live in, and we’re legislating more rights so renters get more respect,” said Jacinta Allan, premier.
“It’s not fair that a renter can cop a 200% rent increase just because they’ve asked for a basic issue to be fixed – so we’re putting the brakes on excessive rent increases and ensuring properties meet minimum standards.”
“New tenants should be able to focus on where they put their couch, not worrying about if they need to go to VCAT because the mould in the bathroom that was supposed to be removed after the inspection is still there.”
The Bill will see new maximum penalties for rental providers and real estate agents of more than $11,000 for individuals and $59,000 for companies who advertise or offer to let rental properties that do not meet the minimum standards.
“We’re giving regulators more powers to stop excessive rent hikes, particularly if the landlord hasn’t maintained the property,” said Gabrielle Williams, Consumer Affairs Minister.
“This is about making the rental market fairer for everyone – the new legislation will upskill real estate agents, give them clearer rules to follow and provide renters with better protections.”
Meanwhile, Victoria has around 30% more people in housing stress and seeking help from homelessness services than in either NSW or Queensland.
With state still having the lowest amount of social housing as a proportion of total housing stock in Australia, at just 2.8% of dwellings.
