Changes to the residential tenancy laws start on 23 March 2020, with amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (the Act) and the new Residential Tenancies Regulation 2019 (the new Regulation).

What are the changes?

The changes improve tenants’ renting experience while ensuring landlords can effectively manage their properties. The changes aim to reduce disputes over repairs and maintenance, increase protection and certainty for tenants, and clarify the rights and obligations of tenants and landlords.

The following information highlights the key changes starting on 23 March 2020.

Minimum standards to clarify 'fit for habitation
New smoke alarm obligations for landlords
Changes of a 'minor nature'
Damage and removing modifications
New mandatory set break fees for fixed term agreements
Strengthened information disclosure requirements
New material facts
New information to be disclosed to prospective strata tenants
Remedies for tenants for breaches to information disclosure requirements
Water efficiency measures
New rectification order process
New standard form of agreement
New condition report