Landlords curbed as renters’ rights get a boost

TENANTS would be given unprecedented new rights and under sweeping changes to state laws.

The Andrews Government is set to announce a major new package to give tenants more rights.

TENANTS would be given unprecedented new rights and landlords banned from raising rent more than once a year under sweeping changes to state laws.

POOR INSULATION, ENERGY BILLS PUSHING TENANTS TO PUT HEALTH AT RISK

HOUSING BOOM EDGES TENANTS OUT

FEARS OVER NEW POWERS FOR VICTORIAN LANDLORDS

Bonds that are forked out to secure rental properties would also be capped for most properties at a month’s rent, in a bid to help families struggling with the cost of living squeeze.

The Andrews Government will announce the major new package today, promising it will mean a “fairer deal” for more than a quarter of Victorians who rent.

But the reforms, timed to coincide with the Northcote byelection where Labor is campaigning on housing policy as it battles to hold the seat against the Greens, are likely to spark a heated response from the property sector.

Other key parts of the law overhaul include:

RENTAL bidding will be banned;

EVICTING tenants without providing a valid reason will be banned;

EVERY tenant will have the right to a pet, unless property owners have certain reasons that prohibit them;

MINOR modifications like hooks for picture frames would be allowed without seeking permission;

THE period for repayment of urgent repairs will be slashed from two weeks to one week.

Consumer Affairs Minister Marlene Kairouz said there was a growing number of Victorians who rent and these were changes to protect them.

Consumer Affairs Minister Marlene Kairouz.

“More people are renting than ever before and for longer – that’s why tenants need a fairer deal,” she said.

“These changes will crack down on rental bidding, make it easier and faster for renters to get their bond back, and will better hold landlords and agents to account for their actions.”

At the moment, landlords can hike rent every six months, while this plan will limit the practice to annual increases.

There is currently no limit for rent hikes, and that will remain the case.

Real estate agents would face tough penalties if they solicit “rental bidding”, which is when they allow prospective tenants to anonymously increase their weekly payment offers in order to secure tenancy.

The introduction of bond caps is a major cost of living win for many families, with no more than a month’s rent to be charged to secure properties.

So for a family renting a $420-a-week property, the bond would be capped at about $1800.

Exemptions would be in place for high-end properties where rent is more than double the median weekly rent — which is about $760 a week at the moment.

The amount of upfront rent landlords can request from tenants would also be capped at a month’s worth.

The return of bonds will also be simplified with a 14-day limit for disputes to be lodged otherwise the money is automatically returned to tenants.

Landlords would also be forced to disclose more details about property conditions, such as if asbestos has been identified in a house.

A new Commissioner for Residential Tenancies will be created to monitor the rental market and oversee changes.

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