Statutory Review of the NSW Residential Tenancies Act

Discussion in 'Property Management' started by Simon Hampel, 30th Oct, 2015.

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  1. Simon Hampel

    Simon Hampel Founder Staff Member

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    NSW Fair Trading - Residential_tenancy_laws_review

    Residential tenancy laws review

    The NSW Government is reviewing the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (the Act). The Act establishes a comprehensive set of rights and obligations for:
    • landlords
    • tenants
    • social housing providers
    • real estate agents who act for landlords.
    As part of this review, you are now invited to view a Discussion Paper to help you consider improvements to the current laws. This consultation closes on 29 January 2016.

    What are we doing?
    As part of a review, the NSW Government has released a Discussion Paper to invite public comment on the residential tenancy laws in NSW.

    The Discussion Paper gives background on the Act to enable stakeholders and the public to give feedback and suggest improvements to the current laws. It explores aspects of the laws including:
    • Starting a tenancy
    • Rental bonds
    • Rent and other charges
    • The rights and obligations of landlords and tenants
    • Terminating a tenancy
    • Resolving disputes.
    Before having your say, please read the Discussion Paper: Statutory Review of the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (PDF size: 2mb)

    Please send your comments until 29 January 2016 by:

    Email to: [email protected]

    Post to:
    Statutory Review of Residential Tenancies Act 2010
    Policy and Legislation
    NSW Fair Trading
    PO Box 972
    PARRAMATTA NSW 2124​

    Or, complete an online survey to respond to the questions in the Discussion Paper. Do this by accessing our tenancy discussion paper online submission form.

    Next steps
    NSW Fair Trading reviews all submissions. We will conduct further targeted consultation on key issues.

    A report on the review will be submitted to the Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation for tabling in Parliament by mid 2016.

    Please check this web page for updates on the review process or subscribe to our tenancy enewsletter The Letterbox for updates.

    http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/ftw/About_us/Have_your_say/Residential_tenancy_laws_review.page
     
    Last edited: 30th Oct, 2015
    Simon Hampel, 30th Oct, 2015
    #1
  2. Scott No Mates

    Scott No Mates Well-Known Member

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    It's your chance to air your grievances kids. What is your beef with the current RTA?

    • Pet bonds
    • Charging of water usage is still in landlord name
    • Notice period
    • Restrictions on how much rent you can ask for ie max of 2 weeks
    • Robustness of the break clause
    • Smoking in premises
    • Slaughtering of livestock
    • Tenant tribunal judgements


    You name it, it's up for review.
     
    Scott No Mates, 30th Oct, 2015
    #2
  3. Simon Hampel

    Simon Hampel Founder Staff Member

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    I'm wondering whether it is worth coming up with a coordinated response from the landlords represented here on PropertyChat?

    Would certainly require a great deal of discussion to make sure we look at the ramifications of any proposed changes.

    As both a tenant and a landlord myself (although not in NSW) - I find myself wearing two hats. But I think that gives me some good perspective on the subject and empathy for both sides of the equation.

    Either way - I think all landlords (and tenants) in NSW need to make sure they have a voice in this to ensure that the system is as fair as possible for all parties.
     
    Simon Hampel, 30th Oct, 2015
    #3
  4. Chilliblue

    Chilliblue Well-Known Member

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    Great Idea @Simon Hampel (Love the new pic by the way).

    I would love to have the rental bonds be increased along with current rents
     
    Last edited: 30th Oct, 2015
    Chilliblue, 30th Oct, 2015
    #4
  5. D.T.

    D.T. Specialist Property Manager Business Member

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    Adelaide and Gold Coast
    I'd like to see (hopefully if NSW gets improved, others will follow suit):

    - mention of electronic leases (all Acts currently silent, but needs to reflect current day)
    - pet bonds (only WA has), leads to more acceptance of pets results in less in pounds
    - ability to increase bond in line with rental increases (only a couple states have)
    - better defining (SA does this) the default position on water (e.g. tenant pays usage and supply but not sewer) and what addition positions are acceptable
    - ability to request no smoking in rentals (its a disgusting habit that should be outlawed everywhere) as difficult to remove stains and smells
    - less chances at tribunal, e.g. if you have similar breach 3 times, evict rather than mediation / compromise.
     
    D.T., 30th Oct, 2015
    #5
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  6. SeafordSunshine

    SeafordSunshine Well-Known Member

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    Would be v. interested to discuss all of these matters.
    How about we meet one Sunday afternoon,somewhere with public transport and parking?
     
    SeafordSunshine, 4th Nov, 2015
    #6
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