The Victorian government is introducing a raft of reforms to better protect tenants’ rights.
Under the proposals announced last week by minister for consumer affairs Gabrielle Williams, no fault evictions – where tenants can be kicked out of home for no reason – will be banned, as will extra fees that tenants are charged when they pay rent. Background check fees will also be prohibited.
So that no tenant pays an excessive penalty, the cost of breaking a lease will be capped and landlords will have to show proof of damage and receipts of repairs when making bond claims.
“By banning fees and charges on rental payments and applications, and cracking down on unfair bond claims, we’re putting more money back into the pockets of renters,” Williams said.
Tenants Victoria welcomed the changes. “The measures contribute to better regulation to protect those of us who rent our home,” CEO Jennifer Beveridge said.
Addressing no-fault evictions – which extends the ban to include the end of the initial fixed-term agreement – Beveridge said the change would boost tenants’ security.
“Renters are better able to assert their rights, such as asking for repairs, without the anxiety of being evicted for no clear grounds.”
She added: “Together, these reforms are a step forward in renters’ rights, offering more protection in the current tight rental market.”
The rental reforms follow similar legislative changes passed through the NSW parliament in October.
Victoria’s changes bring the total number of reforms to more than 130, meaning the state leads the way when protecting renters’ rights.
The reforms will be introduced to parliament in stages over the next 12 months – however, the no-fault eviction ban will drop before the end of the year. “Renters’ rights are all about respect,” Williams said, “that’s the principal that we are trying to bring to the rental market.”
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