Residential Tenancies Amendment Acts
The Residential Tenancies Act has been updated several times in recent years to strengthen rental standards and provide clearer protections for tenants. Below is an overview of the changes most relevant to you. If you would like more detail or context, your property manager can talk through what applies to your situation.
RESIDENTIAL TENANCIES AMENDMENT ACT 2019
Focus: Insurance transparency and fair liability for accidental damage.
RESIDENTIAL TENANCIES AMENDMENT ACT 2020
Focus: Tenant stability, flexibility, and fair renting practices.
These changes clarified how responsibility for accidental damage is assessed, and strengthened protections for tenants living in properties that may not have full consents.
• Landlords must disclose the property’ s insurance details in the tenancy agreement, including any excess that may apply if damage occurs. You may request a copy of the policy at any time, and it must be provided within a reasonable timeframe.
• If you or your guests cause accidental or careless damage, your liability is capped at the lower of four weeks’ rent or the landlord’ s insurance excess.
• If damage is intentional or results from criminal activity, tenants may be responsible for the full cost of repairs.
• Any property used as a home, even if not fully consented( for example, a sleepout or conversion), remains covered by tenancy law. Landlords must maintain safe and healthy living conditions, and tenants are entitled to the same rights and protections as in any other rental property.
These changes supported greater certainty in renting and clearer options when household circumstances change.
• Rent cannot be increased more than once every 12 months.
• Tenants may request minor changes to the home, such as picture hooks or child-safe latches, and landlords cannot unreasonably refuse. Tenants are responsible for installation costs and returning the area to its original condition if required.
• Rental bidding is prohibited, and properties must be advertised with a fixed rent amount.
• You may request to assign( transfer) your tenancy to another suitable tenant, and landlords cannot unreasonably decline this request.( Note: Assignment is different from a fixed-term lease break, which may involve ongoing rent and reasonable costs until the property is re-tenanted.)
• At the end of a fixed term, the tenancy automatically becomes periodic unless both parties agree otherwise, or a valid termination notice has already been provided.
• Tenants may request fibre broadband installation where practical, and internet service costs remain the tenant’ s responsibility.
• The Tenancy Tribunal may grant name suppression in some cases and can now hear claims of up to $ 100,000.
20 TENANT INFORMATION GUIDE