Proposed new laws governing the rental of property in the ACT have been announced by the Attorney General, Gordon Ramsay.
Mr Ramsay said several changes to rental legislation had been introduced into the Legislative Assembly that would empower some of the Territory’s most vulnerable people.
He said the new measures would protect tenants, allowing them more flexibility in the rental market.
“These sensible changes will allow vulnerable tenants to terminate fixed term leases in order to move into social housing or aged care facilities that are better suited to their needs,” Mr Ramsay said.
“Amendments will also ensure that tenants only have to pay a maximum of two weeks rent in advance allowing them more flexibility by easing cost of living pressures,” he said.
“Furthermore, there are important changes which strengthen the way in which the ACT Administrative Tribunal can alter tenancy agreements in family violence situations.”
Mr Ramsay said the changes also contained additional safeguards for landlords should their properties be used for illegal activities.
“The Bill also supports landlords to protect the value of their properties,” he said.
“It streamlines the provision that allows a landlord to terminate a tenancy if the renter uses the property for an illegal activity.”
Mr Ramsay said the changes would ensure that Territory laws take better account of how illegal activities on rental properties can affect the interests of landlords.
