Released 21/02/2019
The ACT Government has today passed reforms that will substantially improve the quality of life for renters in Canberra whilst still protecting the rights of landlords.
In short the reforms will:
- Protect renters from excessive rent increases
- strengthen renters’ right to have a pet
- enable renters to make minor modifications to their home
- make it easier for renters to break leases without incurring significant costs.
Attorney-General Gordon Ramsay said the ACT Government had a strong interest in making renting fairer for the Canberra community.
“As more and more people choose to rent in our community, it’s important that we consider their well-being by introducing measures to help make their house a home,” Minister Ramsay said.
“The reforms do this by introducing a presumption in favour of tenants keeping pets in their rented properties, unless the tenancy agreement specifically requires landlord consent.
“Under these changes, a landlord can only refuse a tenant’s request to keep a pet if they have obtained prior approval from the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT).
“ACAT will consider factors including whether the premises are suitable for animals, or if keeping the animal would pose an unacceptable risk to public health or safety.
“Landlords will also be able to set reasonable conditions around the number of animals kept, and the associated cleaning and maintenance requirements. Tenants will be liable for any damage beyond ordinary wear and tear.
“Likewise, tenants will need landlord approval to modify their rental property, and will be required to restore any modifications such as painted walls to the original condition, unless otherwise agreed with the lessor.
“Tenants will also be better protected against excessive rental increases. If the landlord wants to increase the rent by more than ten per cent above the rate of inflation, they will need to justify this decision with ACAT, unless the tenant agrees to the increase.
“The ACT Government is committed to ensuring that tenants, and especially vulnerable tenants, enjoy greater protection in the ACT’s rental market.”
This is part of the Government’s ongoing work to ensure that everyone is entitled to live securely and fairly.
- Statement ends -
Gordon Ramsay, MLA | Media Releases
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