Recommendations for an overhaul of legislation in regard to the state’s 800,000 rental properties including breaking a fixed term lease, electronic service of notices and alterations to property have been presented to the NSW government, according to the Real Estate Institute of New South Wales.

REINSW President John Cunningham said the NSW Fair Trading Policy Department received the Institute's Position Statement late last month and he was now seeking a meeting with the new Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation Matthew Kean.

“We felt it was necessary to take action ahead of any proposed amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (RTA) being released,” Mr Cunningham said.

“Our Position Statement specifically relates to the 27 recommendations tabled by the government in their Review Report for change to the RTA following on from their public consultation in 2016.

“We look forward to working with the new Minister to ensure that the rights of tenants and landlords are protected and are in line with the needs of today,” Mr Cunningham said.  

The Amendment Bill is expected to be passed by government by mid 2017. The REINSW Property Management Chapter Committee and a dedicated Sub-Committee formed in June 2015, to specifically identify those areas in the current legislation requiring reform. 

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