National Association of Renters' Organisations launches report on principles for strengthening renters’ rights

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National Association of Renters' Organisations launches report on principles for strengthening renters’ rights

26 October 2023

The National Association of Renters' Organisations (NARO) has launched ‘The National Nine: Principles for Strengthening Renters' Rights’ – a briefing report providing expert guidance on the principles for strengthening renters’ rights in Australia.

In launching the report, a webinar event was held to give an overview of the report’s key recommendations and included a panel conversation. The topics discussed explored the challenges experienced by renters as renter advocacy groups and industry bodies seek solutions and identify priorities for a national tenancy reform agenda.

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NSW Government introduces strata sector reforms, extends existing property services commissioner role

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NSW Government introduces strata sector reforms, extends existing property services commissioner role

9 October 2023

The NSW Government has announced in a media release today that it will “move forward on critical reforms to strata laws this week, implementing changes to make the system fairer and more transparent”. As part of this goal, it has introduced the state’s first ‘Strata and Property Services Commissioner’ role. This has been carried out by extending John Minns’s existing role as Property Services Commissioner to also encompass strata matters.

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South Australian government's commitment to improving housing outcomes

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South Australian government's commitment to improving housing outcomes

27 September 2023

In its latest issue of ‘CBS Connect’, South Australia’s Consumer and Business Services (CBS) announces the State’s commitment to greater protection for prospective tenants.

Earlier this month, we reported on new laws surrounding the prohibition of rent bidding in South Australia, which commenced on 1 September 2023. CBS has since clarified further commitments to improving housing outcomes for tenants and prospective tenants.

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September 2023 Newsletter

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September 2023 Newsletter

1 September 2023

Newsletter snapshot:

  • Industry updates: NSW licensees in charge: Ensure assistant agents are qualified by March 2024 // NSW Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for multi-licence holders clarified.

  • Disciplinary action: Queensland Fair Trading charges Cairns real estate agent over 13 offences.

  • Legislative changes: Further reforms to rent bidding in NSW // Rent bidding illegal in South Australia from 1 September 2023 // New laws around minimum housing standards commence 1 September 2023 in Queensland.

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New laws around minimum housing standards commence 1 September 2023 in Queensland

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New laws around minimum housing standards commence 1 September 2023 in Queensland

1 September 2023

The Queensland Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) has announced the introduction of minimum housing standards for all new tenancies from 1 September 2023, meaning that if a tenancy agreement is signed or renewed from this date, the property must meet minimum housing standards. The new laws around minimum housing standards will apply to all remaining residential tenancies from 1 September 2024, providing landlords with the opportunity to bring their currently-tenanted rental properties up to speed with the changes.

The RTA has also released updated forms for residential tenancies to reflect the new laws around minimum housing standards.

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Rent bidding illegal in South Australia from 1 September 2023

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Rent bidding illegal in South Australia from 1 September 2023

1 September 2023

After placing a ban on rent bidding in July, South Australia Consumer and Business Services (CBS) has today announced that the practice of rent bidding is officially illegal in the state of South Australia. A landlord or agent found to be soliciting rent bids may be fined up to $20,000.

According to CBS, under the reforms:

  • Landlords or agents must now advertise premises at a fixed amount and must not solicit or otherwise invite an offer for higher rent. This means landlords are no longer able to advertise properties with a rent range, put properties up for rent auction, or solicit offers over the advertised rental price.

  • Additionally, where a third party is facilitating tenancy applications, any rating or assessment of a prospective tenant must not be based on an offer of higher rent.

  • A penalty of up to $20,000 will apply for breaches of the new rent bidding laws.

  • This significant reform brings South Australia in line with other Australian jurisdictions.

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Further reforms to rent bidding in NSW

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Further reforms to rent bidding in NSW

31 August 2023

In the latest issue of ‘Property Matters’, the NSW Government has outlined the progress it has made in strengthening the rules around rent bidding in the state.

Two significant updates to the rent bidding laws started on Thursday 3 August 2023: 

  • Advertisements for residential rental properties must have a fixed price.

  • It is unlawful for anyone, including landlords and digital rental application providers, to invite or ask for offers of rent for residential premises higher than the advertised price. 

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August 2023 Newsletter

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August 2023 Newsletter

4 August 2023

Newsletter snapshot:

  • Industry updates: NSW Government announces change to temporary accommodation access support people in crisis // NSW Government introduces rental commissioner role // Queensland Residential Tenancies Authority reports over 114,000 outstanding bond payments // NSW stock agent news: Sheep and goat electronic ID grants open for saleyards and processors

  • Disciplinary action: Victorian agents hit with over $500k in fines for underquoting // Consumer Affairs Victoria commences action against agency for practising while unlicensed.

  • Legislative changes: NSW Government engages community consultation for further changes to rental laws // No-cause evictions to be banned in South Australia.

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No-cause evictions to be banned in South Australia

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No-cause evictions to be banned in South Australia

17 July 2023

In a media release today, South Australia Consumer and Business Services (CBS) has announced that, under further rental reforms, tenants in South Australia will “no longer be able to be evicted from their rental home without cause”.

The new laws around no-cause evictions mean that landlord will only be able to end a periodic tenancy or to not renew a fixed-term lease for a prescribed reason, including:

  • any breaches to the tenancy by the tenant, or

  • if the landlord wants to sell, renovate or occupy the property.

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NSW Government engages community consultation for further changes to rental laws

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NSW Government engages community consultation for further changes to rental laws

7 July 2023

After announcing its steps to further reform rules around rent bidding and introduce plans for a portable bond scheme, the NSW Government has today announced its plans to delve deeper into other potential residential tenancy reforms. Community consultation has begun to discuss topics such as:

  • Ending no-grounds evictions by requiring a reason to end a lease,

  • Making it easier for renters to have pets,

  • Protecting renters’ personal information and privacy,

  • Making it easier to transfer rental bonds from one property to another, and

  • Other ways to improve conditions for renters and take the pressure off.

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July 2023 Newsletter

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July 2023 Newsletter

7 July 2023

Newsletter snapshot:

  • Site-wide discount to celebrate World Chocolate Day! 🍫

  • Industry updates: Over $300,000 stolen from WA real estate trust account by scammers // Update on NSW rent bidding ban compliance.

  • Disciplinary action: NSW real estate agent sentenced to two years imprisonment following 121 counts of fraud // Former Victorian estate agents representative banned from industry for 10 years, fined $2,500 // Former Victorian agent sentenced for misuse of over $100,000 in trust money.

  • Legislative changes: Rent bidding banned in South Australia // New laws around rent increase frequency for Queensland commenced 1 July 2023.

  • Feature blog: ‘Protecting your real estate business from scam activity and fraud’.

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New laws around rent increase frequency for Queensland commence 1 July 2023

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New laws around rent increase frequency for Queensland commence 1 July 2023

1 July 2023

New laws around the rate at which rent may be increased for Queensland tenancies have come into place today. Under the new laws, rent may only be increased once every 12 months. The change applies to all new and existing tenancies.

The QLD Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) has also advised that they have updated the two Pocket Guides for Tenants and tenancy agreements for general tenancies, rooming accommodation, and movable dwellings. The new forms are available on the RTA website.

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