Cabinet paper
Residential Tenancies (Prohibiting Letting Fees) Amendment Act 2018
Tenants can't be charged letting fees under the Residential Tenancies (Prohibiting Letting Fees) Amendment Act 2018.
About the Residential Tenancies (Prohibiting Letting Fees) Amendment Act 2018
The Residential Tenancies (Prohibiting Letting Fees) Amendment Act 2018 bans anyone from charging a tenant a letting fee.
See the Residential Tenancies (Prohibiting Letting Fees) Amendment Act(external link)
What are letting fees?
Letting fees cover the cost of putting a tenancy in place, including the time involved by letting agents for things like:
- holding open homes
- reviewing applications from prospective tenants
- preparing tenancy agreements and carrying out the initial property inspection.
In the past, property managers or letting agents were able to pass on these letting fees to tenants. Letting fees often came on top of other costs for tenants, such as bond, rent in advance, and moving costs.
Information for tenants and landlords
The Tenancy Services website has more information about letting fees, including your rights and responsibilities, and advice for tenants and landlords.
Related links & documents
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Regulatory impact assessment
Regulatory Impact Statement: Prohibiting letting fees under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986
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Legislation
Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2019
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Legislation
Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2020
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