The ACT government launched a consultation on the four proposed revisions to the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 that would provide tenants with more rights and protection.
ACT Attorney General Shane Rattenbury has encouraged tenants, investors, real estate groups and other tenants to give their views on proposed changes to the lease laws.
"Almost a third of Canberran's rent, so we want to turn rental properties from a house into a real house," Mr Rattenbury said.
“We are exploring four reforms to help create a fairer and more secure rental system for all Canberrans. "
The ACT government proposed the following changes:
End evictions without cause
Place restrictions on rent auctions
Establish clear minimum standards for rental properties
Allow tenants greater freedom to grow their own food and compost
Stopping unjust evictions stems from the tenant's need for certainty. Under current law, landlords have the freedom to evict a tenant from a month-to-month lease on six months' notice without cause
"This proposal will give them greater confidence that they can assert their rights under the agreement without fear that it will lead to their deportation. It will create security of tenure for tenants and end the retaliatory evictions, ”Mr Rattenbury said. .
The government is also considering regulating rent auctions.
Current law does not prevent a landlord or agent from telling a potential tenant that someone else made a better offer. Nor does it prohibit them from asking tenants if they want to outbid other bidders.
Mr Rattenbury said auctions could become problematic, especially in tight markets, as they could lead to higher rents.
"It is also not transparent and can waste potential tenants' time," he said.
"While there has been no clear evidence of this practice occurring regularly in ACT, we want to hear from the Canberrans explain why and if rent auctions need to be regulated . "
The proposals also include a revision of the minimum standards for rental properties. These standards include factors related to accessibility, amenities, safety and sanitation. The government has already started to introduce minimum standards for energy efficiency.
"For now, we would like to hear from landlords and tenants on the minimum standards they believe should be introduced in ACT and how they should be implemented," said M Rattenbury.
Another issue the government is currently considering is whether there is a need to add a provision in the law that would allow tenants to grow their food and compost on their rental properties.
"We are looking at how to strengthen tenants' rights to create vegetable gardens and composts, provided they agree to return the property to its original condition at the end of the lease," said Mr. Rattenbury.
“We want to know if the Canberrans think the law should be changed to introduce more rights for tenants to grow food and compost. "
Stakeholders are encouraged to submit their suggestions and comments by visiting Your Say Conversations ACT.
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