About the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2019

Tenant liability for damage 

The Amendment Act limits tenants’ liability for careless damage in rental properties.  

You can find more information on what damage a tenant is responsible for repairing and what a landlord must take care of on the Tenancy Services website. 

Repairs and damages » Tenancy Services(external link) 

Methamphetamine contamination of residential rental properties 

Both landlords and tenants have responsibilities to make sure a rental property is fit to live in. Landlords must provide a clean and liveable property for their tenants. Tenants must keep the property reasonably clean and tidy, and can't use the property for anything unlawful, such as smoking or manufacturing methamphetamine (meth or P).  

Regulations are being developed to manage methamphetamine contamination in rental housing. 

Regulation of Methamphetamine Contamination in Rental Housing

Properties affected by methamphetamine » Tenancy Services(external link) 

Unlawful residential premises 

The Amendment Act clarifies that the Residential Tenancies Act applies to unlawful residential premises such as converted garages, sleep-outs, warehouses, or commercial buildings. The Tenancy Tribunal is able to hear applications and can make orders in relation to unlawful residential premises.  

See the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2019(external link) 

Related legislation 

Residential Tenancies Act 1986 (external link)

Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2020(external link) 

  • Regulatory impact assessment

    Regulatory Impact Statement to the Supplementary Order Paper on the Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill No 2

  • Regulatory impact assessment

    Regulatory impact statement: Tenant liability for damage to residential properties

  • Regulatory impact assessment

    Regulatory impact statement: Protection of tenants and landlords from the effects of methamphetamine contamination

  • Regulatory impact assessment

    Regulatory impact statement: Application of the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 to rental premises which are not lawful for residential purposes