Professionals Ballarat session on new rental laws

The Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill 2018, which included more than one hundred and thirty reforms, was passed by the State government in September.

A FREE information evening on how new legislation will affect the future of residential tenancies is being hosted by Professionals Ballarat next week.

Senior Property Manager Ann Edgar said the event is aimed at property investors and landlords.

“I would highly recommend it as the legislation is changing so much it is necessary for all property owners to know what their rights are,” Ms Edgar said. “We think there are people probably still wondering what the ramifications will be.”

Accordingly, Professionals Ballarat is providing this service to its clients and to the broader community.

Hayley Mitchell, Mitchell Property Training’s Managing Director, is a leading industry expert in all aspects of the Residential Tenancies Act.

She has been engaged by Ms Edgar to speak on the reforms and the impact they may have on rental properties.

Ms Mitchell said landlords should not be concerned about the legislation but they should be informed.

“I am a real estate trainer, owner of a real estate agency and an investor so I have all the bases covered and I am not concerned personally,” she said. “There is a lot more compliance to take place and people have to lift their standards a little bit in some areas.

“The laws will clamp down on those landlords that are reluctant to maintain their properties.”

At this stage the new rules will come into effect on July 1, 2020, Ms Mitchell said. Landlords should be proactive in understanding what this means to them and their tenants.

While there are 130 new rules, the three areas that are receiving the most attention relate to eviction, pets and maintenance.

“Some of the changes allow tenants to have more flexibility when it comes to having pets,” she said.

“The limitations to evicting tenants have also been re-written so it will be harder to evict tenants in the future depending on the circumstances.

“And landlords will be required to fulfil upkeep on their properties as a matter of conformance.”

Ms Mitchell encourages tenants to consider attending the event.

The Information evening for investors and landlords is at Quest Ballarat, 7/11 Dawson Street North, Ballarat on Thursday, 22 August at 6.30pm.

Seating is limited. To attended call 5333 2040 or email [email protected] before Friday, 16 August.