Renters in Victoria could have a raft of new rights if legislation announced by the state government this week becomes law.
On Wednesday, Premier Jacinta Allan and Consumer Affairs Minister Gabrielle Williams announced that the Consumer and Planning Legislation Amendment (Housing Statement Reform) Bill would be introduced into state parliament, potentially giving regulators more power to stop excessive rent increases and ensure rentals meet basic standards.
Currently, rent reviews are a remedy available to tenants who believe a rent increase is excessive, but the size of the rent increase itself cannot be considered during the review process.
The bill allows for the list of factors considered by Consumer Affairs Victoria and VCAT in rent reviews to be expanded, including the size of the rent increase and whether the landlord has made improvements to the property since the last rent increase.
Both measures are still subject to consultation with industry, but Ms Allan said they were needed.
“It’s not fair that a renter can cop a 200 per cent rent increase just because they’ve asked for a basic issue to be fixed – so we’re putting the brakes on excessive rent increases and ensuring properties meet minimum standards,” she said.
“New tenants should be able to focus on where they put their couch, not worrying about if they need to go to VCAT because the mould in the bathroom that was supposed to be removed after the inspection is still there.”
Ms Williams said that the reforms were aimed at making the rental market more fair for everyone.
“The new legislation will upskill real estate agents, give them clearer rules to follow and provide renters with better protections,” she said.
Rental reforms announced by the government last month, including a ban on agents and owners from charging extra fees, stopping landlords making dubious bond claims and capping the cost of breaking a lease, will be introduced in a separate bill next year.
