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The ACT government has rolled out several new changes to rental legislation which aim to boost flexibility in the rental market.
Attorney-General Gordon Ramsay said the new measures are set to “protect the most vulnerable tenants, allowing them more flexibility in the rental market”.
“These sensible changes will allow vulnerable tenants to terminate fixed term leases in order to move into social housing or aged care facilities that are better suited to their needs,” Minister Ramsay said.
“Amendments will also ensure that tenants only have to pay a maximum of two weeks’ rent in advance, allowing them more flexibility by easing cost of living pressures.
“Furthermore, there are important changes which strengthen the way in which the ACT Administrative Tribunal can alter tenancy agreements in family violence situations.”
According to the A-G, the new measures reflect community expectations, protect the interests of landlords and the rights of tenants, and modernises the Residential Tenancies Act 1997.
“This package of reforms is another example of this government’s commitment to making our tenancy framework the best it can be for Canberrans,” Minister Ramsay said, noting that the changes contain additional safeguards for landlords should their properties be used for illegal activities.
“The bill also supports landlords to protect the value of their properties. It streamlines the provision that allows a landlord to terminate a tenancy if the renter uses the property for an illegal activity,” he said.
“This will ensure that our laws take better account of how illegal activities on rental properties can affect the interests of landlords.
“This bill contains a balanced and considered suite of amendments that I am confident will make our rental laws better for our community.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Emma Ryan
Emma Ryan is the deputy head of editorial at Momentum Media.
Emma has worked for Momentum Media since 2015, and has since been responsible for breaking some of the biggest stories in corporate Australia, including across the legal, mortgages, real estate and wealth industries. In addition, Emma has launched several additional sub-brands and events, driven by a passion to deliver quality and timely content to audiences through multiple platforms.
Email Emma on: Emma.Ryan@momentummedia.
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