A LOT has changed about renting, and that’s a great thing because according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics 32 percent of households in 2017-18 rent their home. This figure increased from 27 percent in 1997-98, and is expected to be even higher when last years’ census data is available.
New rental laws that affect individuals before signing a lease, during the agreement process, and ending a rental agreement came into effect on March 29, 2021. Here’s some of what you should know. For more, please visit www.consumer.vic.gov.au/housing/renting/changes-to-renting-laws
Rental properties must be advertised at a fixed amount and properties cannot be advertised for rent with the costs listed within the price range. Plus, rental providers are banned from soliciting or inviting offers of rent higher than the advertised price
Rental providers and agents cannot request inappropriate information in rental applications, such as your bond history. Application forms must include an information statement that educates applicants, rental providers, and agents about unlawful discrimination
Before entering into a rental agreement, the rental provider must disclose whether the property is for sale or being repossessed or if they are not the owner, and any information about any embedded energy network
Rental providers cannot ask for or accept more than one month’s rent for a bond, or require renters pay more than one month’s rent prior, for properties with a rent of $900 per week or less
Renters can make certain modifications without the rental provider’s consent. This includes picture hooks or screws for wall mounts, shelves, or brackets on surfaces other than brick walls, and low flow shower heads if the original shower head is kept. There are also other modifications which a rental provider cannot unreasonably refuse consent to renters making.
