Victorians To Have A Say On Plan For Better Rental Laws
The Andrews Labor Government is moving to better protect renters and landlords by reviewing the Residential Tenancies Act 1997.
Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming & Liquor Regulation, Jane Garrett, is encouraging Victorians to have their say on existing rental laws as part of the public consultation process starting today.
The comprehensive review will ensure rental laws protect the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords across all forms of rental accommodation now and in the future.
The Labor Government will focus on key issues including the viability of longer-term leases of five to ten years and protections for people who are older, living with disabilities and who live in caravan and residential parks.
A consultation paper, released today, incorporates recent data showing how the rental market has changed over the last 20 years, with more tenants considered to be long-term renters and more people renting indefinitely.
The three-year review is one part of the Labor Government’s Plan for Fairer, Safer Housing to ensure that all Victorians can access safe, affordable and secure housing.
This includes work on better building regulations, action on housing affordability, planning reform, as well as developing a new Integrated Community Care system to support the health and well-being of all Victorians.
A public consultation website has been set up to encourage community engagement during the review and the Labor Government’s broader work program via public submissions, polls, discussion papers and videos.
Victorians are encouraged to have their say by visiting fairersaferhousing.vic.gov.au/renting
Quotes attributable to Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming & Liquor Regulation, Jane Garrett
“The Andrews Labor Government is reviewing the Residential Tenancies Act to strengthen the laws which protect renters and guides landlords about their responsibilities.”
“We’re making sure laws around renting strike a fair balance between the rights of people who live in a rental property and the people they rent those properties from.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing, Martin Foley
“Our population will grow older and experience increasing levels of housing stress into the future – we need a plan that deals with that challenge.”
“This review is designed to protect the increasing number of disadvantaged Victorians at risk of being left behind or exploited by the housing market.”