ACT tenants and landlord rights to be re-balanced under Residential Tenancies Act review

A new review into the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 has been announced to balance out the rights of landlords and tenants, according to Attorney-General Simon Corbell.

Corbell said the review would look for an “appropriate” balance of rights for tenants and landlords.

"It gives everyone an opportunity to have their say about whether the law is operating fairly and effectively,” he said.

In property circles it’s commonly believed that tenants are given more flexibility at tribunal.

It will also look at issues around share housing, rental home sustainability and rental accommodation standards.

The sustainability discussion looks at the effects of mandating or providing incentives to lessors or tenants retrofitting sustainability measures, as well as to whether there are any impediments at present.

Share home issues include whether the Act should be required to impose a legal framework.

Submissions are invited by 12 September, 2014 on the discussion papers, which are currently available on www.justice.act.gov.au and there is also an online survey.

The review is being conducted by the Justice and Community Safety Directorate.