Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill approaches final stages

Submissions are now open on the Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill (No 2).
The Bill makes a series of amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 related to methamphetamine contamination, liability for damage to rental premises caused by a tenant, and tenancies over rental premises that are unlawful for residential use.

In particular, the Bill aims to:

· Make it easier for landlords to test their properties for methamphetamine.
· Allow tenants to end their tenancy if test results show unsafe levels of methamphetamine contamination.
· Create regulation-making powers about methamphetamine testing.
· Clarify tenants’ liability for careless damage they may cause.
· Strengthen the law to help prosecute landlords who rent out unlawful residential premises.

The Bill addresses decisions from the Court of Appeal in Holler v Osaki and the High Court in Anderson v FM Custodians Ltd.
Tell the Local Government and Environment Committee what you think. Send your submission on the bill by midnight on 22 August 2017, BY CLICKING HERE.