Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2019
The Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2019 clarified the law in relation to tenant liability for damage, the treatment of unlawful residential premises, and contamination of rental properties.
The Amendment Act made three key changes:
Tenant liability for damage
The Amendment Act contains damage liability rules that strike a balance between incentivising tenants to take a high degree of care of rental properties and not exposing them to high cost and risk.
Contamination of residential properties
The Amendment Act includes changes to protect tenants and landlords from the harmful effects of contaminants.
Unlawful residential premises
The Amendment Act gave the Tenancy Tribunal full jurisdiction over cases where premises are unlawful for residential purposes. This allows for enforcement action against landlords who are in breach of their legal obligations.
Read the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2019 on the Parliament website.
Information for tenants and landlords
The Tenancy Services website has more information about your rights and responsibilities, and advice for tenants and landlords.
Published: October 13, 2021