Landlords and tenants in East Gippsland are being encouraged to contribute to discussion around the rules and regulations of rental properties.

Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, said the State Government was calling for feedback on a range of proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act.

“We have many renters and also a lot of investors in the Gippsland East electorate, so I would urge these people to contribute to the feedback,” he said.

“When considering any changes to legislation it is important the Government canvasses the views of its constituents, and I would hope East Gippsland residents can provide their input.”

The proposed changes include facilitating fixed-term leases of longer than five years; restricting rental increases to once per year; banning rental bids and introducing minimum health and safety standards for rental properties.

Other proposals include:

• Improving incentives for landlords to make repairs quickly, such as restrictions on charging market rent; 

• Introducing a mediation service with powers to make binding decisions;

• Requiring notices to vacate to be accompanied by supporting evidence; and

• Requiring tenants to have landlord consent before listing a property on Airbnb or similar sites.

“Some of these proposals would mean significant changes for landlords and tenants and could also impact the availability of rental housing,” Mr Bull said.

For more information, or to make a submission (which close on February 10), visit fairersaferhousing.vic.gov.au/renting.

Friday, February 3, 2017