The state government has announced another package of rental reforms aimed at restoring fairness and respect for tenants.
Consumer Affairs Minister Gabrielle Williams visited a share house on Wednesday, October 30, to unveil the new measures that the government plans to introduce to parliament over the next 12 months.
The measures include stopping landlords making dubious bond claims without evidence, banning ‘no fault’ evictions, banning extra fees charged on top of rent, banning apps that charge background check fees during applications, capping the cost of breaking a lease and making sure renters can access an extra key or fob for their residence.
“Renters’ rights are all about respect – that’s the principle that we are trying to bring to the rental market through more than 130 reforms, and that’s why we are leading the nation on it,” said Ms Williams in announcing the latest reforms.
“By banning fees and charges on rental payments and applications, and cracking down on unfair bond claims, we’re putting more money back in the pockets of renters.”
Tenants Victoria chief executive Jennifer Beveridge welcomed the measures, particularly the ban on no fault evictions.
“Extending the ban on no-reason evictions gives renters more security,” Ms Beveridge said.
“It puts them on a more even footing to request repairs, for example, in the knowledge that rental providers cannot ask them to leave without a reason under the law.”
