The Victorian government will review the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 and has just launched a public consultation process where renters and landlords are encouraged to have their say on existing rental laws across all forms of rental accommodation. The review will focus on the viability of longer-term leases of five to ten years and protections for people who are older, living with disabilities and who live in caravan and residential parks.

In announcing the review yesterday, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming & Liquor Regulation Jane Garrett released a consultation paper that incorporates recent data showing how the rental market has changed over the last 20 years, with more tenants considered to be long-term renters and more people renting indefinitely.

“We’re making sure laws around renting strike a fair balance between the rights of people who live in a rental property and the people they rent those properties from,” said Garrett.

Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing Martin Foley said Victoria needs a plan for its aging population. “This review is designed to protect the increasing number of disadvantaged Victorians at risk of being left behind or exploited by the housing market," he said. 

The public can contribute to the review here.

See also:

Access to tenanted properties a key focus for REIV in Residential Tenancy Review