Rent Bidding Ban (May 2024):
- Landlords and agents can no longer pressure tenants to pay above-advertised rent.
- Properties must be advertised with a set asking price.
- If you experience bidding, contact Consumer Protection (1300 30 40 54).
Retaliatory Action Protection (May 2024):
- Tenants can challenge landlords who take unfair actions (e.g., rent increase, non-renewal) after exercising their rights (e.g., maintenance request, complaint).
Rent Increases (July 2024):
- Rent can only be increased every 12 months, not every 6 months as before.
- This applies to both periodic and fixed-term agreements (once the fixed term ends).
Pets Welcome (Likely July 2024):
- In most cases, tenants can request permission to keep pets.
- Landlords can only refuse with a valid reason (e.g., council by-law, unfenced property).
- Reasonable pet conditions can be set (e.g., caged birds, carpet cleaning).
Making Your Rental Homey (Likely July 2024):
- Tenants can make minor modifications with permission (e.g., hanging pictures, and water-saving showerheads).
- Landlords can refuse for specific reasons (e.g., asbestos, heritage listing).
- Reasonable conditions may apply (e.g., proper garden maintenance).
- Tenants must remove modifications upon leaving unless otherwise agreed (e.g., picture hooks).
Dispute Resolution (Likely July 2024):
- Disputes regarding pets, modifications, and bond release will be settled by the Consumer Protection Commissioner, not the courts.
- Both parties can present their case online.
Streamlined Bond Release (Jan-July 2025):
- A simpler process for bond release will minimize disputes.
- All parties are notified about bond applications.
- The Commissioner will rule if no agreement is reached.
