Residential Tenancy Amendment Act……Changes in Play.

As a Landlord, are you up to date with the changes?

August 27th 2019 saw new Tenancy Legislation come in to play, these include:

Unlawful Residential Premises: This amendment tightens the law for holding Landlords accountable for renting out unsuitable properties. The act has strengthened the definition of “Residential Premises”, regardless of whether premises can be legally lived in, i.e. garages, sleep-outs, they will be considered ‘residential premises’ under the Residential Tenancies Act if they are lived in or intended to be lived in. The amendment gives the Tenancy Tribunal full jurisdiction over cases concerning premises that are unlawful.

Tenant Liability for Damage: If the Tenant or any guests cause damage, as a result of careless behaviour, to the property they are now held liable for damage costs of up to 4 weeks rent or the Landlords Insurance excess (whichever is lower).

Insurance Statement: Landlords now need to provide a Statement in any new Tenancy Agreement to prove the property is Insured and what the excess amount is. The statement must inform Tenants that copies of policies are available on request.

Contamination of Premises: Landlords can now get testing done on properties for methamphetamine contamination whilst Tenants are living there. Standard rules apply with 48hrs notice prior to entering the property and boarding house is 24hrs notice. Landlords must tell Tenants they are testing for methamphetamine and share the findings in writing within seven days of receiving results.

For more in-depth inf,o click on the link to download a Brochure…

Tenancy Amendment Brochure