Professionals Gosford Changes to tenancy laws start 23 March 2020
With more than 30 percent of the NSW population now renting,changes to NSW tenancy laws are timely and critical as demand for quality rental properties continues to grow.
The changes will increase protection and certainty for tenants, clarify the rights and obligations of tenants and landlords and reduce disputes over repairs and maintenance.
Key changes include:
- landlords must ensure that their rental property meets 7 minimum standards to be ‘fit for habitation’
- new and improved disclosure obligations on landlords and agents as well as new remedies for tenants when these obligations aren’t met
- landlords must ensure that smoke alarms are in working order
- making it easier for tenants to install fixtures or make alterations, additions or renovations that are minor
- mandatory set fees when a tenant breaks their lease will apply to all new fixed-term leases that are 3 years or less
- limiting rent increases to once every 12 months for periodic (continuing) leases
- new powers for Fair Trading to resolve disputes between tenants and landlords. This includes powers to investigate and issue rectification orders to require landlords to carry out repairs and maintenance, or tenants to fix damage.
The 2 red highlighted are new changes that landlords must take note.