Here’s a concise summary of the key changes in the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024 that landlords need to be aware of:

1. Online Bond Lodgement (Effective Immediately)

  • Bonds must now be lodged and paid online—no more PDF forms or manual lodgements via email or post.
  • Signatures are no longer required for bond lodgements or top-ups.
  • Refunds and other transactions will still be verified.

2. Tenancy Terminations (Effective 30 January 2025)

  • Periodic Tenancies:
    • Landlords can now terminate a periodic tenancy without cause with 90 days’ notice.
    • Landlords can give 42 days’ notice if:
      • The property will be occupied by the landlord or their family for at least 90 days.
      • There is an unconditional sale requiring vacant possession.
      • The property is needed for employees or contractors (stated in the tenancy agreement).
    • Tenants can end a periodic tenancy with 21 days’ notice.
    • Existing termination notices issued before 30 January 2025 remain valid.
    • Retaliatory termination is prohibited, and tenants now have 12 months to challenge a termination notice in the Tribunal.
  • Fixed-Term Tenancies:
    • Landlords and tenants can now end fixed-term tenancies by giving notice 90 to 21 days before the end date (no specific reason needed).
    • Otherwise, fixed-term tenancies automatically become periodic.
    • The new rule applies to tenancies expiring on or after 1 May 2025.

3. Technical Changes (Effective 20 March 2025)

  • Electronic Notices: Notices and documents can be sent via email, text, or messaging apps if provided as an official address in the tenancy agreement.
  • Smoking Ban Enforcement: Landlords can legally enforce no-smoking clauses indoors.
  • Email as an Address for Service: An email address provided during the tenancy can be used for Tribunal applications for up to 2 years after the tenancy ends.
  • Tribunal Decisions Without Hearings: The Tribunal may decide some cases without a hearing (except for termination and entry rights cases).

4. Family Violence Provisions

  • Tenants and their children/dependents can now withdraw from a tenancy with 2 days’ notice and qualifying evidence, without financial penalties.

5. Upcoming Pet Rules (Effective Date TBC)

  • Pet Consent:
    • Tenants can only keep a pet with landlord’s consent or if their tenancy agreement allows it.
    • Landlords can only refuse pets on reasonable grounds.
  • Pet Bonds:
    • Landlords may require a pet bond of up to 2 weeks’ rent (in addition to the general bond).
    • If a pet bond is charged, it must be refunded if the pet passes away.
  • Pet Damage Liability:
    • Tenants are fully responsible for pet-related damage beyond fair wear and tear.
  • Existing Pets:
    • These rules won’t apply to pets that were already allowed before the changes take effect.

What Landlords Should Do Now

✅ Use online bond lodgement for all new bonds and top-ups.
✅ Review termination policies—new notice periods take effect from 30 January 2025.
✅ Update tenancy agreements to include electronic addresses if preferred for communication.
✅ Ensure no-smoking clauses are clearly stated in tenancy agreements if required.
✅ Prepare for future pet rule changes and consider if you will allow pets.