New Pet Legislation and Modifications by tenants to be determined
The State Government has introduced a Bill to Parliament just recently regarding the planned reforms to the Residential Tenancies Act announced in May.
When it comes to pets, the Bill includes new provisions to allow tenants to keep a pet at the premises with the consent of the owner and will set out the circumstances where the landlord may withhold consent and impose conditions on consent.
It will also outline the process by which a tenant can seek approval for a pet and resolution of disputes by the Commissioner for Consumer Protection.
Amongst a raft of rules the Bill also makes clear that tenants have responsibility for pets, including nuisance and damage, and that damage caused by a pet is not fair wear and tear.
Other sections of the planned changes cover modifications to rental properties, the Bill sets out provisions relating to a tenant’s right to make various types of modifications to the premises, consent of the owner, conditions that may be imposed and applications to the Commissioner.
The tenant can make minor modifications to the premises, but only with the consent of the owner. Conditions may be imposed on the making of minor modifications. What is considered a minor modification has not been determined and will be in the coming Regulations. Stand by and let’s see how the final rules are set out.