ACT rental reforms set out minimum energy efficiency standard for ceiling insulation

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ACT rental reforms set out minimum energy efficiency standard for ceiling insulation

31 March 2023

The ACT Government has published further detail on how the ACT tenancy reforms due to commence on 1 April 2023 will provide greater comfort to tenants, literally. A media release published earlier today states that “rental homes across the ACT will now have to meet a minimum energy efficiency standard for ceiling insulation which will help keep Canberra homes comfortable, safe and energy efficient”.

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Reforms to South Australian renting law officially underway

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Reforms to South Australian renting law officially underway

27 March 2023

Following consultation with property industry participants and the public late last year, the South Australian Government has now introduced proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act 1995 to parliament.

The Government of South Australia initially outlined immediate priorities on 15 February 2023, including:

  • a commitment to improving housing outcomes

  • more affordable rental bonds

  • a ban on rent bidding

  • restrictions on what information is requested on rental application forms

  • greater protection for tenant information

As the key regulator of the property industry in South Australia, Consumer and Business Services (CBS) has announced they will “provide advice to the State Government to inform the best way forward for South Australia”.

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ACT tenancy reforms to commence on 1 April 2023

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ACT tenancy reforms to commence on 1 April 2023

22 March 2023

In late 2022, the ACT Government announced plans to make changes to the current Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (the Act). In a media release this week, it has been confirmed that changes to tenancy legislation for the Territory will include:

  • The removal of ‘no cause’ evictions,

  • Prohibiting landlords and agents from asking for or encouraging rent bids,

  • Allowing tenants greater freedom to grow their own food and to compost, and

  • Creating a framework to support the future introduction of minimum housing standards for rental properties.

The changes are due to commence on 1 April 2023.

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March 2023 Newsletter

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March 2023 Newsletter

8 March 2023

Newsletter snapshot:

  • Site-wide discount code!

  • Industry updates: WA agents may have their say on changes to real estate CPD, NSW Fair Trading inspectors to crack down on breaches in new rental bidding requirements.

  • Disciplinary action: Former WA real estate agent fined for personal use of trust account funds, Victorian estate agent has licence cancelled for various breaches.

  • Legislative changes: ACT Government announces plans to change property developer legislation.

  • Important dates: NSW CPD due 22 March, WA trust account audit reports due 31 March, NSW assistant agents - are you on track to complete your licence training?

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NSW Fair Trading inspectors to crack down on breaches in new rental bidding requirements

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NSW Fair Trading inspectors to crack down on breaches in new rental bidding requirements

3 March 2023

In their latest Property Matters issue, NSW Fair Trading has announced how they plan to effectively monitor the behaviour of agents following the recent ban on solicited rent bidding. From late March, inspectors will be reviewing online rental applications, in addition to attending open homes, to identify instances of non-compliance with the ban.

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Rent bidding to be made illegal in NSW for new listings from 17 December 2022

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Rent bidding to be made illegal in NSW for new listings from 17 December 2022

12 December 2022

On the heels of the ACT Government’s announcement that rent bidding in the territory may soon be prohibited, the NSW Government has since confirmed their intention to follow suit.

The new laws against rent bidding in NSW will be introduced through changes to regulations under the Property and Stock Agents Act 2002.

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ACT residential tenancy law reform: Ending no-cause evictions and rent bidding

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ACT residential tenancy law reform: Ending no-cause evictions and rent bidding

5 December 2022

Changes are coming to the current ACT residential tenancy legislation, the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (the Act).

The Residential Tenancies Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 (the Bill) was introduced to the ACT Legislative Assembly on 30 November 2022.

The Bill proposed to:

  • End no-cause evictions and introduce new ‘with cause’ termination provisions to support landlords to manage their properties

  • Restrict solicited rent bidding

  • Allow tenants greater freedom to grow their own food and compost

  • Create a framework to support the introduction of minimum housing standards for rental properties.

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