In the spotlight: Residential Tenancies Act review

The Victorian Government's Fairer Safer Housing is currently undertaking a comprehensive review of the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (RTA).

Fairer Safer Housing is a platform introduced by the state government in 2014. Its primary goal is to make sure Victorians have access to safe, affordable and secure housing now and into the future. The RTA is the number one source of consumer protection for Victorian renters, while also outlining the obligations of both landlords and tenants.

The RTA review is an important part of the state government's responsibility to ensure that the rental sector is appropriately meeting the requirements and expectations of both landlords and tenants. Given the changes to the rental property landscape in the past two decades or so, it presents a timely opportunity to assess the RTA against the changing needs of both tenants and property investors alike.

The review is focusing on key issues including the viability of longer term leases of five to ten years, protection for people who are older or living with a disability and alternative avenues for dispute resolution.

Another central aspect of the review is rental repairs and regulation of property conditions. In particular: timelines for repairs, penalties for non compliance, tenants' obligations to avoid damage and their ability to modify the property, as well clarity of cleanliness and wear and tear. 

Victorians can have their say on these and other matters being considered through the RTA review process, by making a submission to the Fairer Safer Housing website by 11 August.

As part of Jellis Craig Boroondara's comprehensive and innovative property management service, we make it a priority to keep abreast of all reviews and changes that occur across Victoria's rental market, including at a legislative level. We will keep our clients fully informed as the review continues.