Retaliatory Action – estimated May 2024

• If a tenant believes their agent is retaliating (rent increase, breach notice, termination action, non-renewal) because they have exercised their rights they can challenge that action in the Magistrate’s Court
• Magistrate may set aside PM/landlord’s action or order compensation.

Rent Bidding- Estimated May 2024

•  Fixed-amount advertising: Advertising offers between $400 and $500 per week is prohibited.
• Agents are forbidden from advocating for bids that surpass the advertised price.

 Rent Increases – estimated July 2024

• Only one increase is permitted within a 12-month period
• For fixed leases, the minimum 12-month timeframe commences from the initiation of the reform.
• For periodic leases, the minimum 12-month timeframe begins once the fixed term concludes

Pets – estimated July 2024

• Most cases pets will be allowed but tenant must ask permission
• Landlords may refuse if a council by-law prevents pets, or there's a good reason like the property is not fenced
• .Landlord can impose reasonable restrictions like bird must stay in cage/carpets must be cleaned at end of tenancy.
• Additional pet bond can be imposed

Minor Modifications – estimated July 2024

• The list of 'minor modifications' has not been finalized, but it might encompass actions such as hanging pictures, installing flyscreens, cultivating a vegetable garden, and fitting water-saving shower heads.
• Landlords may refuse for heritage, asbestos present, or any other good reason
• .Reasonable conditions' may be imposed by landlord
• Tenant must make good at end of lease

Bond release – estimated January-July 2025

• The bond can be requested for release by the tenant, landlord, or agent.
• The bond administrator will inform all involved parties, and if consensus is reached, the bond will be disbursed
• In cases of dispute, the Consumer Protection Commissioner will listen to both perspectives and render a decision.
• Rules about when a landlord can keep the bond don't change – where there is damage, landlord may keep bond.

 Commissioner determination – estimated July 2024

• Disputes no longer need to go to court.
• Consumer Protection Commissioner rules on disputes as an independent authority (Commissioner Determination)
• All parties may make their case online

If you’re a landlord/investor looking for a competitive rate and a team to manage your investment property or you are considering selling & taking advantage of the strong property market then contact Will Trainer 0414 934 693 or email will.trainer@fncompass.com.au for a free market appraisal.

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