With over 240,000 rental properties in Western Australia, a significant proportion of the states population will be impacted byanychanges to the upcoming review of theResidentialTenanciesAct (RTA), which is why REIWA will be advocating strongly for changes that benefit landlords, tenants and property managers.
REIWAPresident Damian Collinssaidthe reviewprovides an opportunity for all parties to come together to ensure the legislation meets the needs ofall parties involved.
According to the latest REIWA rental survey, more than 70 per cent of tenants said they were satisfied with their renting experience,which suggests the current rental system administered under the RTA is generally working well,MrCollinssaid.
Focus of the review
The focus of the review should be to increase the number of choices available to both landlords and tenants within the current framework, withany increase to a tenants rights must come with an increase in their responsibilities, together with benefits to the landlordsto ensure a fair and balanced outcome for all parties.
While REIWA is supportive of minor changes to the RTA to better protect tenants, its imperative that the rights of landlords are maintained in order to attract investment and ensure ongoing supply of private rental housing.
Keep property investment attractive
Given that 96 per cent of all rental housing is provided by investors, a system that encourages investment to facilitate the supply of private rental housing and ongoing affordability for tenants is required,MrCollinssaid.
Therefore, it is essential that any changes to the RTA do not negatively impact landlords or their appetite to invest in residential housing.
Key policy points
The Institute believes that very few aspects of the current rental legislation require a complete overhaul,which is whyduring the review, REIWA will be focusing on seven key policy options:
Maintain the right to choose between a fixed or periodic tenancy.
Preserve a lessors rights to end a periodic tenancy without grounds, if necessary.
Encourage pets in rental properties without limiting a landlordsright to determine the suitability of the property to house pets.
Ensure compliance with current housing standards without creating additional red tape.
Protect both landlordsand tenants interest by requiring consent before modification to a property.
Ensure disputes are handled quickly, fairly, and efficiently in the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT).
Maintain the current hardship provision for those seeking to break-lease.
