Victoria’s peak real estate body vows to fight against changes to tenant and landlord rights

VICTORIA’S peak real estate industry body has declared war on the state government’s tenancy reforms and has vowed to campaign heavily against the changes.

Victoria’s peak real estate body has vowed to fight against the Andrews Government new rental laws. Picture: Stock

VICTORIA’S peak real estate industry body has declared war on the state government’s tenancy reforms and vowed to campaign heavily against the changes.

The Real Institute of Victoria will approach the state Opposition and crossbenchers for support to stop many of the new laws revealed on Sunday by Premier Daniel ­Andrews.

Planned changes include a ban on rent bidding and no-reason evictions, limits on rent rises and establishing the right of every tenant to a pet, except in special circumstances.

LANDLORDS CURBED AS RENTERS’ RIGHTS GET A BOOST

Minor modifications, such as hooks to hang pictures, would also be allowed without permission.

“There is no doubt we’ll be looking to have as many of these struck out as possible,” REIV chief executive Gil King said.

“It is no coincidence that this was announced by the Premier in Northcote where there is a by-election looming,” he said.

“These laws are about gaining support in one seat and nothing about what it will do across the whole state.

“They also have an election to win or lose next year … A lot of landlords will be disadvantaged by this.

Mr King said he was particularly concerned by a planned blacklist for dodgy landlords and agents and the removal of the 120 day no reason notice to vacate.

“There’s a bit of history with that notice to vacate time frame … it has been removed before only to come back because it is needed,” he said.

”The blacklist has come out of nowhere and that is an insult to the real estate profession.

“Most landlords are mum and dad investors with one property.”

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FEARS OVER NEW POWERS FOR VICTORIAN LANDLORDS

The Real Institute of Victoria will approach the state Opposition and crossbenchers for support to stop many of the new laws. Generic picture

Mr King said rental hikes would be likely if the laws were passed.

“The impact is going to be rents go up because of less stock on market for tenants,” he said.

“It staggers me on one hand we rave about Super Saturdays yet we treat landlords like pariahs.

“Landlords who were happy to provide those rental properties will be leaving the market angry about reforms that we have warned the government about from when they were first mentioned.”

But Victoria Council of Social Services chief executive Emma King on Sunday welcomed the announcement.

“Renters have been getting a raw deal in Victoria, with dodgy landlords getting away with too much, for too long,” she said.

“Victorians are renting for longer than at any time in history, making strong protections for tenants more important than ever.

“These changes will help level the playing field.”

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