31/03/2023
On 21 March 2023, new laws passed the ACT Legislative Assembly to:
- End ‘no cause’ evictions for tenants
- Introduce a minimum standard for ceiling insulation
- Prevent landlords/agent from asking for or encouraging rent bids, and
- Support tenants to grow food and to compost at a rental property.
These changes commence on 1 April 2023.
Ending ‘no cause’ evictions
Landlords are now only able to end a tenancy for one of the reasons listed in the Residential Tenancies Act. This means tenants will no longer fear being evicted without justification and landlords can continue to manage their properties effectively.
Minimum standard for ceiling insulation
There is a new minimum energy efficiency standard for ceiling insulation in rental properties, with a phase-in period between 1 April 2023 to 30 November 2026. Landlords are now required to indicate if their property meets the minimum standard in all rental advertisements/lease agreements and have nine months from a new lease being signed to comply, unless exempt.
Prevent landlords/agents asking for rent bids
Landlords/agents must now advertise a property with a fixed rental price and cannot ask for, or encourage, prospective tenants to bid more than what is advertised. However, tenants can offer amounts above the advertised rent, if they want to, voluntarily and landlords can accept higher offers.
Support to grow food and compost
Tenants are now able to plant fruits and vegetables, flowers, herbs or shrubs, as long as they grow no higher than two metres, and without removing existing vegetation. Tenants can have a removable compost bin at the property. Tenants must seek agreement and landlords cannot unreasonably refuse.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your property manager.
