Victorian Rental Law Reforms
The Victorian government has unveiled its new rental laws, which will come into effect on March 29th.
Among the changes, rental properties will need to meet basic standards. Heaters, hot and cold water, and functioning appliances should be included in rental products.
Also included in the changes, rental providers will be required to allow renters to make changes to their rental property, including installing picture hooks and LED globes (to name a few).
Download the Consumer Affairs Victoria guide.
We also encourage you to read the Consumer Affairs Victoria page ‘All Changes in Place from March 2021‘.
Want to know more about the changes?
There have been over 130 new changes in the Residential Tenancies Act. Learn more about it in this comprehensive interview featuring the President of the REIV, Leah Calnan, with topics around urgent maintenance, new minimum standards and compliance, the new process for rent arrears, and more. Click on the topic below to watch the video.
Maintenance and Urgent Repairs
Professional Cleaning
Safety Checks and Compliance
Our recommended next steps
We are working with SASS to make sure the transition to compliance with new legislation is as smooth and efficient as possible for you.
We encourage you to review the SASS Compliance Information pack.
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SASS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why do we need this?
Legislation is changing around safety servicing in rental properties from a strong recommendation to mandatory. This was changed as evidence gathered from Consumer Affairs Victoria, identified that responsibilities for safety-related activities under a rental agreement was an area of concern, with anecdotal evidence of critical safety tasks not being done.
Why do I need to sign now?
The new RTA changes will be introduced in late March 2021. From here there are multiple avenues in which compliance laws will be applicable to your property. To ensure we fulfil our duty of care to you we require your compliance plan and your servicing will take place later in the year.
Will my property be serviced immediately?
No, we are using this time to prepare your compliance plan for the upcoming changes to the Residential Tenancies Act. You have time before safety compliance assessment is required. Your property will be serviced later in the year.
Is there a budget option?
We have negotiated with SASS to ensure the package is highly competitive, cost effective and as valuable as possible for our clients. Due to the expansive new requirements in 2021, the value of this compliance management package is that it covers not only detailed initial servicing but also prevents ongoing hidden costs. This package also covers you for substantial compliance coverage on almost $1,000 in call out fees for services relating to the new laws.
Why do I need to sign for each property?
We request a formal compliance plan for each of your properties to ensure all parties are protected.
I have a tradesperson, can he/she complete my safety compliance requirements?
Yes, if you have alternate compliance specialists you are welcome to engage them. Please sign the opt-out form indicating you will source your own provider and ensure your property manager is provided the appropriate documentation as your property is attended to in accordance with the new legislation.