Government releases tenancy law changes discussion paper
RENTERS with pets could be up for an extra week’s rent when they pay their bond, under a state government proposal to change residential tenancy laws.
Mackay
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RENTERS with pets in Queensland could be up for an extra week's rent when they pay their bond, under a state government proposal to change residential tenancy laws.
Housing Minister Bruce Flegg released a discussion paper on changes to the laws on Wednesday.
Among the proposed changes were plans to make renters with pets, or those renting a fully furnished house or a house with a pool, pay five weeks rent as bond, rather than the standard four weeks rent.
The Newman Government changes could also increase bond payments for caravan park residents, up from the current two weeks to four weeks.
Other proposed changes that could affect renters across the state included widening the inspection period for agents or lessors from two hours to three hours, and allowing lessors to charge the full cost of water consumption, regardless of whether the property is water efficient.
Mr Flegg said the last review of tenancy law three years ago, and the new review would concentrate on "balancing the interests of tenants, landlords, agents and park manager".
"We want to hear the views of tenants, landlords, agents, park managers and rooming accommodation providers on important issues that affect them and whether the options in the discussion paper will address these issues," he said.
Submissions on the discussion paper were due by January 2, 2013, and can be made on www.rta.qld.gov.au.
Originally published as Government releases tenancy law changes discussion paper
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