Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2019
The Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2019 makes changes related to tenant liability for damage, unlawful residential premises, and contamination of rental properties.
Changes made by 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.
Read about repairs and damages on the Tenancy Services website(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(external link)
Properties affected by methamphetamine » Tenancy Services(external link)(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)(external link)
