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Property managers in one state are about to get a new government body to adjudicate tenancy disputes.
The South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT) will begin operations on 30 March.
The tribunal will deal with matters previously handled by the Residential Tenancies Tribunal, the Guardianship Board and the Housing Appeals Panel.
The Real Estate Institute of South Australia said one significant development with SACAT will be improved technology for the tribunal process.
REISA said property managers would benefit from SACAT’s decision to use an online application form and make all files digital.
“Once their application is lodged online, together with supporting documents and the fee, it is recorded on the system and the applicant receives a number which can be used to track the progress of the application,” it said.
REISA said this would free up tribunal administrative staff so they can respond more promptly to customer enquiries.
“Another significant development is the automatic listing of applications for vacant possession on the basis of a simple breach for failure to pay rent,” REISA said.
“When a landlord or agent properly completes the application form, pays the fee and lodges the tenancy agreement and Form 2 (notice of breach), the system will automatically allocate the hearing to the next available slot in the schedule.”
REISA said other improvements included notices of hearing being sent by email and SMS messages being sent about hearings.
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