Victorian tenancy regulation changes come into effect on March 29

A revised set of rental tenancy regulations has been finalised by the state government, following extensive community and stakeholder consultation.

From March 29, tenants will be legally protected by new measures, most notably, the implementation of minimum standards.

The state government said while many rental properties already met the minimum standards, they are now being enshrined in law.

Renters won’t have to ask permission to attach child safety devices such as blind or cord anchors and pressure-mounted child safety gates to properties as part of the new regulations.

Installing picture hooks on walls, increasing the energy efficiency of a home by installing new LED globes or planting a vegetable or herb garden, without permission, are part more than 130 rental reforms being introduced.

The Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021 outlines changes to the Residential Tenancies Act 1997, based on feedback from more than 700 submissions.

Victorian Council of Social Service chief executive Emma King said strengthening the rights of Victorian renters has been a long time coming.

“The reforms are smart and measured and are about basic things like safety,” Ms King said.

“They will make life easier and safer for hundreds of thousands of Victorian renters.”

According to data from the Real Estate Institute of Victoria, the median rent paid in Bendigo to December 2020 was $335, compared to $360 in regional Victoria.

Despite this, Bendigo’s rental yield is one per cent greater than the regional average of 4.2 per cent.

Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Melissa Horne said the government has delivered the biggest reforms to renting in Victoria.

“Renters have a right to a safe, secure and affordable home they can call their own and landlords have peace of mind with stronger accountability from those renting,” Ms Horne said.

“These reforms turn rental properties from a house into a real home.”

Landlords will benefit from the reforms through clearer obligations and modern regulation and processes, Ms Horne said.

Link: 

https://blog.realestateview.com.au/2021/02/victorian-tenancy-regulation-changes/