The Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill was introduced to the House on 18 December last year. Its main focus is long-term boarding-house tenancies. However, the Bill contains a number of other miscellaneous amendments that will affect general tenancies.
Some of the features of the Bill that will be of particular note to Councils in their capacity as landlords, are as follows:
The bond procedures are simplified to save costs The Tenancy Tribunal will be able to award exemplary damages against landlords who fail to comply with Building Act requirements and health and safety regulations The Bill clarifies that under the Act:
- landlords are liable for wastewater charges and fixed charges on water
- that a tenant's liability for damage to the premises is not affected by the fact that a landlord has insurance Changes to the provision of 'key money' (both real estate agents and landlords cannot charge a letting fee to tenants).This is a general summary only and should not be taken as a substitute for specific advice.
For further information, please contact Rachel Hawkins, solicitor:
rachel.hawkins@phillipsfox.com
Web site:
Phillips Fox