The Residential Tenancies Amendments Act 2020 is set to have a significant impact on a landlord’s responsibilities and on the way they must operate their tenancies. The changes will implement almost 100 new amendments to the existing Residential Tenancies Act – and it’s crucial that landlords are across them all.
These new rules will future proof our changing rental market as we continue to see increasing demand for rental properties and longer-term tenancies.
The good news is that the changes are entirely manageable, and will ultimately create the framework for a more secure renting environment for landlords and tenants alike.
Security of rental tenure – The provision allowing landlords to terminate a tenancy without cause, by providing 90 days’ notice, will no longer apply. New termination grounds will be available to landlords under a periodic tenancy and the required notice time frames have also changed.
Key examples of this are, but are not limited to:
• 14 days’ notice
The tenant physically assaults the landlord or family member.
• 63 days’ notice
The landlord or their family member requires the property to live in.
• 90 days’ notice
The landlord intends to put the property on the market for sale as vacant.
The property has been sold with a requirement of vacant possession.
The landlord intends to carry out extensive renovations at the property.
The property is to be demolished.
