Source: http://docplayer.net/8657660-Residential-tenancies-act-1995.html
Timestamp: 2018-12-10 09:12:25
Document Index: 283604582

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 1', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'art 4', 'art 5', 'art 5', 'art 6', 'art 7', 'art 8', 'art 9', 'art 1', 'art 1', 'art 7', 'art 1', 'art 1', 'art 1', 'art 1', 'art 3', 'art 8', 'art 8', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'art 4', 'art 4', 'art 4', 'art 4', 'art 4', 'art 4', 'art 4', 'art 4', 'art 4', 'art 4']

Residential Tenancies Act PDF
Download "Residential Tenancies Act 1995"
1 Version: South Australia Residential Tenancies Act 1995 An Act to regulate the relationship of landlord and tenant under residential tenancy agreements; and for other purposes. Contents Part 1 Preliminary 1 Short title 3 Interpretation 4 Presumption of periodicity in case of short fixed terms 5 Application of Act Part 2 Administration 6 Administration of this Act 7 Ministerial control of administration 8 The Commissioner's functions 10 Annual report Part 3 South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Division 3 The Tribunal's jurisdiction 24 Jurisdiction of Tribunal 25 Application to Tribunal 25A Registrar may make orders in certain cases Division 5 Procedural powers of Tribunal 32 Intervention of designated housing agency 33 Amendment of proceedings Division 7 Orders 35 Special powers to make orders 37 Application to vary or set aside order Division 8 Obligation to give reasons for decisions 39 Reasons for decisions 39A Time for application for review or instituting appeal Part 4 Mutual rights and obligations of landlord and tenant Division A1 Before entering into residential tenancy agreement 47A Prospective tenant to be notified of sale of premises [ ] This version is not published under the Legislation Revision and Publication Act
2 Residential Tenancies Act Contents Division 1 Entering into residential tenancy agreement 48 Information to be provided by landlords to tenants 49 Residential tenancy agreements 50 Cost of preparing agreement 51 False information from tenant Division 2 Discrimination against tenants with children 52 Discrimination against tenants with children Division 3 Rent 53 Permissible consideration for residential tenancy 54 Rent in advance 55 Variation of rent 56 Excessive rent 56A Manner of payment of rent 57 Landlord's duty to keep proper records of rent and other payments 58 Duty to provide statement or give receipt for rent 58A Payment of rent by electronic transaction 59 Accrual and apportionment of rent 60 Abolition of distress for rent Division 4 Bonds 61 Bond 62 Receipt of bond and transmission to Commissioner 63 Repayment of bond Division 5 Tenant's entitlement to possession and quiet enjoyment 64 Vacant possession etc 65 Quiet enjoyment Division 6 Security of premises 66 Security of premises Division 7 Landlord's obligation in regard to condition of the premises 67 Cleanliness 68 Landlord's obligation to repair Division 8 Tenant's obligations in relation to the premises and ancillary property 69 Tenant's responsibility for cleanliness, damage and loss 70 Alteration of premises Division 9 Tenant's conduct on the premises 71 Tenant's conduct Division 9A Landlord's obligation to advise of sale of premises 71A Sale of residential premises Division 10 Landlord's right of entry 72 Right of entry 2 This version is not published under the Legislation Revision and Publication Act 2002 [ ]
3 Residential Tenancies Act 1995 Contents Division 11 Statutory charges 73 Statutory charges Division 12 Assignment 74 Assignment of tenant's rights under residential tenancy agreement Division 13 Tenant's vicarious liability 75 Vicarious liability Division 14 Harsh or unconscionable terms 76 Harsh or unconscionable terms Division 15 Miscellaneous 77 Accelerated rent and liquidated damages 78 Duty of mitigation 78A Compensation for expenses Part 5 Termination of residential tenancy agreements Division 1 Termination generally 79 Termination of residential tenancy 79A Agreement for fixed term continues if not terminated Division 2 Termination by the landlord 80 Notice of termination by landlord on ground of breach of agreement 81 Termination because possession is required by landlord for certain purposes 82 Termination of residential tenancy by community housing providers with members who are tenants 83 Termination by landlord without specifying a ground of termination 83A Notice to be given at end of fixed term 83B Termination where agreement frustrated 84 Limitation of right to terminate Division 3 Termination by tenant 85 Notice of termination by tenant on ground of breach of the agreement 85A Termination by tenant if residential premises for sale 86 Termination by tenant without specifying a ground of termination 86A Notice to be given at end of fixed term 86B Termination where agreement frustrated Division 4 Termination by the Tribunal 87 Termination on application by landlord 88 Termination on application by tenant 89 Termination based on hardship 90 Tribunal may terminate tenancy if tenant's conduct unacceptable Division 5 Notices of termination 91 Form of notice of termination 92 Termination of periodic tenancy 92A Notice of termination void if no action taken [ ] This version is not published under the Legislation Revision and Publication Act
4 Residential Tenancies Act Contents Division 6 Repossession of premises 93 Order for possession 94 Abandoned premises 95 Repossession of premises 96 Forfeiture of head tenancy not to result automatically in destruction of right to possession under residential tenancy agreement Division 7 Abandoned property 97 Abandoned property 97A Offence to deal with abandoned property in unauthorised way 97B Action to deal with abandoned property other than personal documents 97C Action to deal with abandoned personal documents Division 8 Enforcement of orders for possession 99 Enforcement of orders for possession Part 5A Residential tenancy databases 99A 99B 99C 99D 99E 99F 99G 99H 99I 99J 99K 99L 99M Definitions Application Extra-territorial operation of Part Notice of usual use of database Notice of listing if database used Listing can be made only for particular breaches by particular persons Further restriction on listing Ensuring quality of listing landlord's or agent's obligation Ensuring quality of listing database operator's obligation Providing copy of personal information listed Keeping personal information listed Powers of Tribunal Notifying relevant non-parties of Tribunal order about listing Part 6 Residential Tenancies Fund 100 Residential Tenancies Fund 101 Application of income 102 Accounts and audit Part 7 Rooming houses Division 1 Interpretation 103 Interpretation Division 2 Rooming house agreements 104 Standard terms of rooming house agreements 105 Copies of written agreements Division 3 House rules 105A 105B 105C 105D House rules Amendment of house rules Application to Tribunal if house rules are considered unreasonable Availability of house rules 4 This version is not published under the Legislation Revision and Publication Act 2002 [ ]
5 Residential Tenancies Act 1995 Contents Division 4 Mutual rights and obligations of proprietors and residents Subdivision 1 Rent and other charges 105E Permissible consideration and statutory charges 105F Rent in advance 105G Duty to provide statement or give receipt for payments 105H Payment of rent by electronic transaction 105I Rent increases 105J Rent decreases Subdivision 2 Bonds 105K Bond 105L Receipt of bond and transmission to Commissioner 105M Repayment of bond Subdivision 3 Other obligations of proprietor 105N Use and enjoyment of room and facilities 105O Security of premises and personal property 105P Obligation to repair and keep room and premises clean 105Q Sale of rooming house Subdivision 4 Other obligations of resident 105R General obligations of resident Subdivision 5 Miscellaneous 105S Accelerated rent and liquidated damages 105T Goods not to be taken in lieu of amounts owing to proprietor Division 5 Termination of rooming house agreement 105U Termination of rooming house agreement 105V Abandoned room 105W Abandoned property Part 8 Dispute resolution Division 1 Conciliation Subdivision 1 Definitions for this Division 106 Definitions Subdivision 2 Conciliation of dispute by Commissioner 107 Conciliation of dispute by Commissioner Subdivision 4 Duties and procedure 108A Functions of Commissioner in conciliation of dispute 108B Procedure 108C Restriction on evidence Division 2 Intervention 109 Power to intervene [ ] This version is not published under the Legislation Revision and Publication Act
6 Residential Tenancies Act Contents Division 3 Powers of the Tribunal 110 Powers of Tribunal 111 Conditional and alternative orders 112 Restraining orders Division 4 Representation 113 Representation 114 Remuneration of representative Part 9 Miscellaneous 115 Contract to avoid Act 117 Notice by landlord not waived by acceptance of rent 117A Liability to prosecution not to derogate from civil liability 118 Exemptions 119 Tribunal may exempt agreement or premises from provision of Act 120 Service 121 Regulations Schedule 1 Transitional provisions Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous) Amendment Act Interpretation 2 Operation of amendments 3 Registrar and deputy registrars 4 Jurisdiction of Tribunal 5 Interest payable on repayment of bond 6 Abandoned property 7 Application to existing house rules 8 Other provisions Legislative history The Parliament of South Australia enacts as follows: Part 1 Preliminary 1 Short title This Act may be cited as the Residential Tenancies Act Interpretation (1) In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears ancillary property means property (not forming part of premises subject to a residential tenancy agreement) that is provided by the landlord, either under the residential tenancy agreement or independently of the agreement, for use by the tenant; bailiff means a bailiff appointed under the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2013; 6 This version is not published under the Legislation Revision and Publication Act 2002 [ ]
7 Residential Tenancies Act 1995 Preliminary Part 1 bond means an amount a tenant is required to pay under a residential tenancy agreement, or an agreement collateral to a residential tenancy agreement, as security for the performance of obligations under a residential tenancy agreement; collateral agreement, in relation to a residential tenancy agreement for residential premises in a no premium retirement village, includes a domestic services agreement that a tenant of the premises is required to enter into as a condition of the residential tenancy agreement or otherwise as a condition of admission as a resident of the village; Commissioner means the Commissioner for Consumer Affairs; decision, of the Tribunal, has the same meaning as in the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2013; Deputy President means a Deputy President of the Tribunal appointed under the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2013; Deputy Registrar means a Deputy Registrar of the Tribunal appointed under the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2013; domestic facility requiring instructions means an appliance or device provided by a landlord for the use of a tenant for which it would be reasonable to expect the tenant to require instructions; domestic services agreement means an agreement with a tenant of residential premises in a no premium retirement village for the provision of domestic services (such as meals, cleaning, gardening and laundry of linen); Fund means the Residential Tenancies Fund; housing improvement notice means a notice of intention to declare premises substandard, a notice declaring premises to be substandard, or a notice fixing the maximum rent payable for premises, under Part 7 of the Housing Improvement Act 1940; landlord means the person who grants the right of occupancy under a residential tenancy agreement; or a successor in title to the tenanted premises whose title is subject to the tenant's interest, and includes a prospective landlord and a former landlord; lawyer means a person entitled to practise the profession of the law under the Legal Practitioners Act 1981; no premium retirement village means a complex of residential premises or a number of separate complexes of residential premises that would be a retirement village within the meaning of the Retirement Villages Act 1987 except that no resident or prospective resident of the village pays a premium (within the meaning of that Act) in consideration for, or in contemplation of, admission as a resident of the village; personal documents means official documents, photographs, correspondence or other documents that it would be reasonable to expect a person might wish to keep; premises includes a part of premises; [ ] This version is not published under the Legislation Revision and Publication Act
8 Residential Tenancies Act Part 1 Preliminary President means the President of the Tribunal appointed under the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2013; registered community housing provider means a community housing provider registered under the Community Housing Providers National Law; Registrar means the Registrar of the Tribunal appointed under the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2013; rent consists of the amount payable under a residential tenancy agreement for the right to occupy premises for a period of the tenancy; and if the residential tenancy agreement is for residential premises in a no premium retirement village and there is a domestic services agreement collateral to the residential tenancy agreement the amount payable under the domestic services agreement for the period of the tenancy referred to in paragraph ; residential premises means premises for occupation as a place of residence; residential tenancy agreement means an agreement (other than a rooming house agreement) under which a person grants another person, for valuable consideration, a right (which may, but need not, be an exclusive right 1 ) to occupy premises for the purpose of residence; rooming house means residential premises in which rooms are available, on a commercial basis, for residential occupation; and accommodation is available for at least three persons on a commercial basis; rooming house agreement means an agreement under which accommodation is provided (with or without meals, or other facilities or services) in a rooming house; rooming house proprietor means a person who carries on a business involving the provision of accommodation under rooming house agreements; rooming house resident means a person who boards or lodges in a rooming house; statutory charges means rates or charges imposed under the Local Government Act 1999; and (d) (e) (f) rates or charges imposed under the Water Industry Act 2012; and land tax under the Land Tax Act 1936; and levies under the Emergency Services Funding Act 1998; and levies under the Natural Resources Management Act 2004; and any charges of a kind imposed under an Act and declared by regulation to be statutory charges; tenancy dispute means a claim under a residential tenancy agreement, a rooming house agreement, or an agreement collateral to a residential tenancy agreement or a rooming house agreement; or 8 This version is not published under the Legislation Revision and Publication Act 2002 [ ]
9 Residential Tenancies Act 1995 Preliminary Part 1 a dispute between parties or former parties to a residential tenancy agreement, a rooming house agreement, or an agreement collateral to a residential tenancy agreement or a rooming house agreement, about matters arising under the agreement or this Act; or any matter that may be the subject of an application under this Act to the Tribunal; tenant means the person who is granted a right of occupancy under a residential tenancy agreement or a person to whom the right passes by assignment or operation of law and includes a prospective tenant or a former tenant; Tribunal means the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal established under the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act (2) If this Act provides for something to be done within a specified period from a particular day, the period will be taken not to include the particular day. (3) If this Act provides that action may be taken after the expiration of a specified period of days, the period will be taken to be a period of clear days. (4) For the purposes of this Act, a residential tenancy agreement includes an agreement granting a corporation the right to occupy premises that are occupied, or that are intended to be occupied, as a place of residence by a natural person. Note 1 However, it should be noted that the Act confers certain protections against intrusion on the premises by the landlord. Hence, even if the agreement does not, in its terms, confer an exclusive right to occupation, the Act will (at least in some respects) assimilate the right of occupation to the exclusive right conferred by a lease. 4 Presumption of periodicity in case of short fixed terms (1) If a residential tenancy agreement is entered into for a short fixed term, the agreement is taken to be an agreement for a periodic tenancy with a period equivalent to the length of the fixed term unless the landlord establishes that the tenant genuinely wanted a tenancy ending at the end of the short fixed term and the term was fixed at the tenant's request; or before the residential tenancy agreement was entered into (i) the landlord gave the tenant a notice containing a warning in the form required by regulation; and (ii) the tenant signed a statement in the form required by regulation acknowledging that the tenant did not expect to continue in possession of the premises after the end of the term stated in the agreement. (2) A short fixed term is a term of 90 days or less. 5 Application of Act (1) This Act does not apply to an agreement giving a right of occupancy in (i) a hotel or motel; or [ ] This version is not published under the Legislation Revision and Publication Act
10 Residential Tenancies Act Part 1 Preliminary (ii) an educational institution, college, hospital or nursing home; or Example (iii) club premises; or (iv) (v) (vi) An agreement under which a right of occupancy is given to a student in accommodation provided within an educational institution or college would not be an agreement to which this Act applies (but this Act would apply, subject to this Act, to an agreement under which a right of occupancy is given to a student in accommodation that is not within an educational institution or college). a home for aged or disabled persons administered by an eligible organisation under the Aged or Disabled Persons Care Act 1954 of the Commonwealth; or a retirement village within the meaning of the Retirement Villages Act 1987; or a supported residential facility within the meaning of the Supported Residential Facilities Act 1992; or (vii) prescribed premises, or premises of a prescribed class; or (ab) an agreement to which the Residential Parks Act 2007 applies; or (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) an agreement (other than a rooming house agreement) under which a person boards or lodges with another; or an agreement genuinely entered into for the purpose of conferring on a person a right to occupy premises for a holiday; or an agreement conferring a right to occupy premises for the purpose of residence but under which no rent is payable; or Example An agreement under which families exchange houses for an agreed period would not be a residential tenancy agreement if no rent were payable under the agreement. an agreement for the sale of land that confers a right to occupy premises for a period of 28 days or less on a party to the agreement; or a mortgage; or an agreement arising under a scheme in which (i) (ii) a complex of adjacent premises is owned by a company; and the premises are let by the company to persons who jointly have a controlling interest in the company; or a prescribed agreement or an agreement of a prescribed class. (1a) The regulations may exclude prescribed classes of agreements that relate to land owned (wholly or in part) by the South Australian Housing Trust, or by a subsidiary of the South Australian Housing Trust, from the operation of subsection (1)(e). (1b) For the purposes of this Act, an agreement conferring a right to occupy premises for a fixed term of 60 days or longer is to be taken, in the absence of proof to the contrary, not to be an agreement referred to in subsection (1). 10 This version is not published under the Legislation Revision and Publication Act 2002 [ ]
11 Residential Tenancies Act 1995 Preliminary Part 1 (1c) For the purposes of this Act, a residential tenancy agreement for residential premises in a no premium retirement village is to be taken not to be an agreement under which a person boards or lodges with another. (2) The following provisions of this Act (and only those provisions) apply to residential tenancy agreements under which the South Australian Housing Trust or a subsidiary of the South Australian Housing Trust is the landlord, to residential tenancies arising under those agreements and to related disputes Part 3 (South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal); (ab) Section 65 (Quiet enjoyment); Section 66 (Security of premises); Section 71 (Tenant's conduct); (ca) section 87 (Termination on application by landlord); (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) Section 90 (Tribunal may terminate tenancy where tenant's conduct unacceptable); Section 93 (Order for possession); Section 99 (Enforcement orders for possession); Division 3 of Part 8 (Powers of the tribunal); Division 4 of Part 8 (Representation). Part 2 Administration 6 Administration of this Act The Commissioner is responsible for the administration of this Act. 7 Ministerial control of administration The Commissioner is, in the administration of this Act, subject to control and direction by the Minister. 8 The Commissioner's functions The Commissioner has the following functions: (d) (e) investigating and researching matters affecting the interests of parties to residential tenancy agreements and rooming house agreements; and publishing reports and information on subjects of interest to the parties to residential tenancy agreements and rooming house agreements; and giving advice (to an appropriate extent) on the provisions of this Act and other subjects of interest to the parties to residential tenancy agreements and rooming house agreements; and investigating suspected infringements of this Act and taking appropriate action to enforce the Act; and making reports to the Minister on questions referred to the Commissioner by the Minister and other questions of importance affecting the administration of this Act; and [ ] This version is not published under the Legislation Revision and Publication Act
12 Residential Tenancies Act Part 2 Administration (f) 10 Annual report administering the Fund. (1) The Commissioner must, on or before 31 October in each year, prepare and forward to the Minister a report on the administration of this Act for the year ending on the preceding 30 June. (2) The report must include a report on the administration of the Fund. (3) The Minister must, within six sitting days after receiving a report under this section, have copies of the report laid before both Houses of Parliament. Part 3 South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Division 3 The Tribunal's jurisdiction 24 Jurisdiction of Tribunal (1) The Tribunal has exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine a tenancy dispute; subject to the regulations jurisdiction to hear and determine claims or disputes arising from tenancies granted for residential purposes by the South Australian Housing Trust or a subsidiary of the South Australian Housing Trust, or arising under agreements collateral to such tenancies (including such agreements that may involve a third party). (2) However, the Tribunal does not have jurisdiction to hear and determine a monetary claim if the amount claimed exceeds $ unless the parties to the proceedings consent in writing to the claim being heard and determined by the Tribunal (and if consent is given, it is irrevocable). (3) If a monetary claim is above the Tribunal's jurisdictional limit, the claim and any other claims related to the same tenancy may be brought in a court competent to hear and determine a claim founded on contract for the amount of the claim. (4) A court in which proceedings are brought under subsection (3) may exercise the powers of the Tribunal under this Act and, to such extent as may be necessary and appropriate, the powers of the Tribunal under the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act (5) If the plaintiff in proceedings brought in a court under this section recovers less than $40 000, the plaintiff is not entitled to costs unless the court is satisfied that there were reasonable grounds for the plaintiff to believe that the plaintiff was entitled to $ or more. 25 Application to Tribunal Despite any requirement under the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2013, a requirement to give notice of an application under this Act may, if relevant, be directed to an occupier or subtenant of premises; and if paragraph applies, need not address the occupier or subtenant by name. 12 This version is not published under the Legislation Revision and Publication Act 2002 [ ]
13 25A Registrar may make orders in certain cases Residential Tenancies Act 1995 South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Part 3 The Tribunal's jurisdiction Division 3 The Registrar or a Deputy Registrar of the Tribunal may make an order in relation to a tenancy dispute with the written consent of the parties to the dispute (and such an order operates as an order of the Tribunal). Division 5 Procedural powers of Tribunal 32 Intervention of designated housing agency (3) The Tribunal may, on the application of a designated housing agency, allow the designated housing agency to intervene in proceedings before the Tribunal when a registered community housing provider is a party to the proceedings. (4) If a designated housing agency is allowed to intervene in proceedings, it may intervene in the manner and to the extent directed by the Tribunal, and on other conditions determined by the Tribunal. (5) In this section designated housing agency means the Minister responsible for the administration of the Community Housing Providers (National Law) (South Australia) Act 2013; or the South Australian Housing Trust. 33 Amendment of proceedings The Tribunal may amend proceedings if satisfied that the amendment will contribute to the expeditious and just resolution of the questions in issue between the parties. Division 7 Orders 35 Special powers to make orders (1) The Tribunal may make an order in the nature of an injunction (including an interim injunction) or an order for specific performance. (2) However, a member of the Tribunal who is not legally qualified cannot make an order under subsection (1) without the approval of the President or a Deputy President of the Tribunal. (6) The Tribunal may, in the exercise of its jurisdiction, make ancillary or incidental orders. 37 Application to vary or set aside order (1) A party to proceedings before the Tribunal may apply to the Tribunal for an order varying or setting aside an order made in the proceedings. (2) An application to vary or set aside an order must be made within 1 month of the making of the order (unless the Tribunal allows an extension of time). (3) If the reasons of the Tribunal are not given in writing at the time of making an order and the applicant for an order varying or setting aside the order then requests the Tribunal to state its reasons in writing, the time for making the application runs from the time when the applicant receives the written statement of the reasons. [ ] This version is not published under the Legislation Revision and Publication Act
14 Residential Tenancies Act Part 3 South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Division 7 Orders (4) This section does not limit any provision of the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act (5) Proceedings under this section do not constitute a review of a decision for the purposes of sections 34 or 70 of the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act Division 8 Obligation to give reasons for decisions 39 Reasons for decisions The Tribunal must, if requested by a person affected by a decision of the Tribunal, where written reasons have not been given, state in writing the reasons for the Tribunal's decision. 39A Time for application for review or instituting appeal Furthermore, if the reasons for a decision of the Tribunal have not been given in writing and an applicant for review of the decision of the Tribunal under section 70 of the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2013; or a person appealing against a decision of the Tribunal under section 71 of the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2013, requests the Tribunal within 1 month of the making of the decision to state the reasons in writing, the time for making the application for review or instituting the appeal (as the case may be) runs from the time when the person receives the written statement of reasons. Part 4 Mutual rights and obligations of landlord and tenant Division A1 Before entering into residential tenancy agreement 47A Prospective tenant to be notified of sale of premises A landlord must ensure that a prospective tenant is advised, before entering into a residential tenancy agreement, if the landlord has advertised, or intends to advertise, the residential premises for sale and of any existing sales agency agreement for the sale of the residential premises. Division 1 Entering into residential tenancy agreement 48 Information to be provided by landlords to tenants (1) A landlord must ensure that a tenant is given, before or at the time the landlord and tenant enter into a residential tenancy agreement, a written notice setting out if an agent is acting for the landlord the agent's name, telephone number and address for service of documents; and the landlord's full name and address for service of documents (which must not be the agent's address for service); and if no agent is acting for the landlord the landlord's telephone number; and 14 This version is not published under the Legislation Revision and Publication Act 2002 [ ]
15 (d) (e) Residential Tenancies Act 1995 Mutual rights and obligations of landlord and tenant Part 4 Entering into residential tenancy agreement Division 1 the full name and address of any person with superior title to the landlord; and if the landlord is a company the address of the registered office of the company; and (f) any other information required by the Commissioner. Maximum penalty: $ Expiation fee: $210. (2) A landlord must take reasonable steps to ensure that a tenant is given, before or at the time the tenant commences occupation of the premises under a residential tenancy agreement, manufacturers' manuals, or written or oral instructions, about the operation of any domestic facilities requiring instructions. Note Domestic facilities requiring instructions should also be listed in the tenancy agreement see section 69(3a). (3) If a person succeeds another as the landlord, the new landlord must, within 14 days, ensure that the tenant is given a written notice setting out (d) if an agent is acting for the new landlord the agent's name, telephone number and address for service of documents; and the new landlord's full name and address for service of documents (which must not be the agent's address for service); and if no agent is acting for the new landlord the new landlord's telephone number; and if the new landlord is a company the address of the registered office of the company; and (e) any other information required by the Commissioner. Maximum penalty: $ Expiation fee: $210. (4) If a name, address or telephone number of which the landlord is required to notify the tenant under this section changes, the landlord must, within 14 days of becoming aware of the change, notify the tenant in writing of the change. Maximum penalty: $ Expiation fee: $ Residential tenancy agreements (1) A written residential tenancy agreement entered into after the commencement of this section must state clearly in a prominent position at the beginning of the agreement that (i) (ii) set out the agreement is a residential tenancy agreement; and the parties to the agreement should consider obtaining legal advice about their rights and obligations under the agreement; and [ ] This version is not published under the Legislation Revision and Publication Act
16 Residential Tenancies Act Part 4 Mutual rights and obligations of landlord and tenant Division 1 Entering into residential tenancy agreement (d) (i) (ii) if an agent is acting for the landlord the agent's name, address and telephone number, and, if the agent is registered as an agent under the Land Agents Act 1994, his or her registration number under that Act; and the landlord's full name and address for service of documents (which must not be the agent's address for service); and (iii) if no agent is acting for the landlord the landlord's telephone number; and (iv) (v) (vi) the tenant's name; and the address of the residential premises; and the terms of the agreement, including (A) the amount of rent payable; and (B) the interval between rental payment times; and (C) the method by which rent is to be paid; and (D) the amount of the bond; and (E) any agreement reached as to responsibility for rates and charges for water supply; and (F) (G) responsibility for insurance of the premises and the contents of the premises; and any other terms of the agreement (including, for example, terms in relation to pets or responsibility for repairs); and be dated and signed by the parties to the agreement; and comply with any other requirements prescribed by the regulations. (2) A provision of a residential tenancy agreement that does not comply with subsection (1) that requires the tenant to pay a bond is unenforceable. (3) A landlord must not enter into a residential tenancy agreement unless the landlord or an agent acting for the landlord has first given the tenant a written guide that explains the tenant's rights and obligations under such an agreement and is in the form approved by the Commissioner for the purposes of this section. Maximum penalty: $ Expiation fee: $210. (4) The matters specified or agreed in a written residential tenancy agreement entered into after the commencement of this section may not be varied unless the variation is in writing and dated and signed by the landlord and tenant. (5) A landlord under a written residential tenancy agreement must keep a copy of the agreement, and any variation of the agreement, whether in paper or electronic form, for at least 2 years following termination of the agreement. Maximum penalty: $ Expiation fee: $ This version is not published under the Legislation Revision and Publication Act 2002 [ ]
17 Residential Tenancies Act 1995 Mutual rights and obligations of landlord and tenant Part 4 Entering into residential tenancy agreement Division 1 (6) If a landlord (or an agent acting for a landlord) invites or requires a tenant or prospective tenant to sign a written residential tenancy agreement, the landlord must ensure that the tenant receives a copy of the residential tenancy agreement when the tenant signs it; and if the agreement has not then been signed by the landlord, a copy of the agreement, as executed by all parties, is delivered to the tenant within 21 days after the tenant gives the agreement back to the landlord or the landlord's agent to complete its execution. Maximum penalty: $ Expiation fee: $315. (7) Subject to subsection (2), a failure to comply with this section does not make the residential tenancy agreement illegal, invalid or unenforceable. 50 Cost of preparing agreement Note The cost of preparing a written residential tenancy agreement must be borne by the landlord. Residential tenancy agreements are exempt from stamp duty. 51 False information from tenant A tenant must not give a landlord false information about the tenant's identity or place of occupation. Maximum penalty: $ Division 2 Discrimination against tenants with children 52 Discrimination against tenants with children (1) A person must not refuse to grant a tenancy to another on the ground that it is intended that a child should live on the premises. Maximum penalty: $ (2) A person must not instruct a person not to grant; or state an intention (by advertisement or in any other way) not to grant, a tenancy on the ground that it is intended that a child should live on the premises. Maximum penalty: $ (3) However, this section does not apply if the landlord, or an agent appointed by the landlord to manage the premises, resides in the premises to which the tenancy relates. [ ] This version is not published under the Legislation Revision and Publication Act
18 Residential Tenancies Act Part 4 Mutual rights and obligations of landlord and tenant Division 3 Rent Division 3 Rent 53 Permissible consideration for residential tenancy (1) A person must not require or receive from a tenant or prospective tenant a payment, other than rent or a bond (or both), for a residential tenancy or the renewal or extension of a residential tenancy. Maximum penalty: $ (2) However the landlord may lawfully require or receive consideration for an option to enter into a residential tenancy agreement but, in that case, the following condition applies: (i) (ii) 54 Rent in advance if the prospective tenant enters into the residential tenancy agreement, the landlord must apply the consideration towards rent payable under the agreement; if the prospective tenant does not exercise the option to enter into the residential tenancy agreement, the landlord may retain the consideration; and the landlord may require the tenant to reimburse the landlord for rates and charges for water supply that are to be borne by the tenant under the residential tenancy agreement or a collateral agreement; and the landlord may lawfully require or receive a payment of a class the landlord is authorised to require or receive by another provision of this Act or under the regulations. (1) A person must not require 1 the payment of more than two weeks' rent under a residential tenancy agreement before the end of the first two weeks of the tenancy. Maximum penalty: $ Expiation fee: $210. (2) If rent has been paid under a residential tenancy agreement, a person must not require 1 a further payment of rent until the end of the last period for which rent has been paid. Maximum penalty: $ Expiation fee: $210. (3) A person must not require another to give a post-dated cheque or other post-dated negotiable instrument in payment of rent under a residential tenancy agreement. Maximum penalty: $ Expiation fee: $210. Note 1 The prohibition is against requiring payment of rent for more than two weeks in advance. Hence, if a tenant voluntarily elects to pay rent for more than two weeks in advance, the landlord (or the landlord's agent) may lawfully accept the payment. 18 This version is not published under the Legislation Revision and Publication Act 2002 [ ]
19 55 Variation of rent Residential Tenancies Act 1995 Mutual rights and obligations of landlord and tenant Part 4 Rent Division 3 (1) The landlord may increase the rent payable under a residential tenancy agreement by giving written notice to the tenant specifying the date as from which the increase takes effect. (2) However the right to increase the rent may be excluded or limited by the terms of the residential tenancy agreement; and if the tenancy is for a fixed term, the residential tenancy agreement is taken to exclude an increase in rent during the term unless it specifically allows for an increase in rent; and the date fixed for an increase of rent must be at least 12 months after the date of the agreement or, if there has been a previous increase of rent under this section, the last increase and at least 60 days after the notice is given but (i) (ii) if the maximum rent for the premises has been fixed by a housing improvement notice, and the notice is revoked, the landlord may, by notice given under this section within 60 days after revocation of the housing improvement notice, increase the rent for the premises from a date falling at least 14 days after the notice is given; and if the landlord is a registered community housing provider, and the residential tenancy agreement provides for variation of rent in accordance with the tenant's income, the landlord may increase the rent on the ground of a variation in the tenant's income from a date falling at least 14 days after the notice of the increased rent is given; and (iii) if the landlord is a registered community housing provider under a residential tenancy agreement that allows the landlord to change the basis of calculating the rent payable under the agreement, and the landlord gives the tenant written notice that there is to be a change in the basis of calculating rent as from a specified date (which must be at least 60 days after the notice is given and at least 12 months from the date of the agreement, or if there has been a previous change in the basis of rent calculation, at least 12 months from the date of the last such change), the rent may be increased to accord with the new basis of rent calculation as from the specified date without further notice under this section. (2a) Despite subsections (1) and (2), the rent payable under a residential tenancy agreement may be increased at any time by mutual agreement between the landlord and the tenant. (3) The rent payable under a residential tenancy agreement may be reduced by mutual agreement between the landlord and the tenant. (4) A reduction of rent may be made on a temporary basis so that the rent reverts to the level that would have been otherwise applicable at the end of a specified period. (5) If the rent payable under a residential tenancy agreement is increased or reduced under this section, the terms of the agreement are varied accordingly. [ ] This version is not published under the Legislation Revision and Publication Act
20 Residential Tenancies Act Part 4 Mutual rights and obligations of landlord and tenant Division 3 Rent (6) This section does not affect the operation of a provision of a residential tenancy agreement under which the rent payable under the agreement changes automatically at stated intervals on a basis set out in the agreement. (7) For the purposes of this section, a series of residential tenancy agreements between the same parties and relating to the same premises is treated as a single residential tenancy agreement unless at least 12 months have elapsed since rent for the premises was fixed or last increased. 56 Excessive rent (1) The Tribunal may, on application by a tenant, declare that the rent payable under a residential tenancy agreement is excessive. (2) In deciding whether the rent payable under a residential tenancy agreement is excessive, the Tribunal must have regard to (d) (e) (f) the general level of rents for comparable premises in the same or similar localities; and the estimated capital value of the premises at the date of the application; and the outgoings for which the landlord is liable under the agreement; and the estimated cost of services provided by the landlord and the tenant under the agreement; and the nature and value of furniture, equipment and other personal property provided by the landlord for the tenant's use; and the state of repair and general condition of the premises; and (fa) the estimated cost of goods and services provided under any domestic services agreement collateral to the residential tenancy agreement; and (fb) if the rent was purportedly increased under section 55(2a) whether the tenant was put under undue pressure to agree to the increase; and (g) other relevant matters. (3) If the Tribunal finds, on an application under this section, that the rent payable under a residential tenancy agreement is excessive, the Tribunal may, by order fix the rent payable for the premises and vary the agreement by reducing the rent payable under the agreement accordingly; and fix a date (which cannot be before the date of the application) from which the variation takes effect; and fix a period (which cannot exceed one year) for which the order is to remain in force. (4) The Tribunal may, on application by the landlord, vary or revoke an order under this section if satisfied that it is just to do so. (5) If, while an order remains in force under this section, a landlord asks for or receives rent for the premises to which the order relates exceeding the amount fixed by the order, the landlord is guilty of an offence. Maximum penalty: $ This version is not published under the Legislation Revision and Publication Act 2002 [ ]
21 56A Manner of payment of rent Residential Tenancies Act 1995 Mutual rights and obligations of landlord and tenant Part 4 Rent Division 3 A landlord under a residential tenancy agreement must permit a tenant to pay rent under the agreement by at least 1 means that does not involve the payment of cash by the tenant or the collection of rent from the tenant by a third party who charges a fee, payable by the tenant, for the collection service. Maximum penalty: $ Expiation fee: $ Landlord's duty to keep proper records of rent and other payments (1) A landlord under a residential tenancy agreement must ensure that the following information is recorded in respect of payments received under the agreement: (d) (e) (f) the date on which the payment was received; the name of the person making the payment; the amount paid; the address of the premises to which the payment relates; if the payment is for rent the period of the tenancy to which the payment relates; if the payment is a bond a statement of that fact; (g) if the payment is not for rent or a bond a description of the purpose of the payment, including, if applicable, the period of time to which the payment relates. Maximum penalty: $ Expiation fee: $210. (2) A person must not make a false entry in a record of a payment received under a residential tenancy agreement; or falsify the record in any other way. Maximum penalty: $ Duty to provide statement or give receipt for rent (1) A landlord under a residential tenancy agreement must, at the written request of the tenant, give the tenant a statement of the information recorded by the landlord under section 57(1) in respect of the rent received during the period specified in the request (and such statement must be given to the tenant within 7 days of the making of the request). Maximum penalty: $ Expiation fee: $210. [ ] This version is not published under the Legislation Revision and Publication Act
22 Residential Tenancies Act Part 4 Mutual rights and obligations of landlord and tenant Division 3 Rent (2) If a tenant pays rent other than into an ADI account, the person who receives the rent must, within 48 hours after receiving the rent, give the tenant a receipt setting out the information required to be recorded by the landlord under section 57(1) in respect of the rent received. Maximum penalty: $ Expiation fee: $ A Payment of rent by electronic transaction If a tenant pays rent into an ADI account kept by the landlord or the landlord's agent, the payment will be taken to have been made when it is credited to the ADI account. 59 Accrual and apportionment of rent (1) The rent payable under a residential tenancy agreement accrues from day to day. (2) If rent is paid in advance, and the tenancy ends before the end of the period for which rent has been paid, the landlord must refund the appropriate proportion of the amount paid to the tenant or apply it towards other liabilities of the tenant to the landlord. 60 Abolition of distress for rent A landlord is not entitled to distrain goods of a tenant for non-payment of the rent payable under a residential tenancy agreement. Division 4 Bonds 61 Bond (1) A person must not require more than one bond for the same residential tenancy agreement; or require the payment of a bond exceeding the relevant limit. Maximum penalty: $ (2) If at least two years have elapsed since a bond was given or last increased, the landlord may by written notice to the tenant require the tenant to increase the bond by a specified additional amount, within a specified period (which must be at least 60 days from the date of the notice), but not so that the total amount of the bond exceeds the relevant limit. (2a) A requirement under subsection (2) has effect as if it were a term of the residential tenancy agreement. (3) The relevant limit is if the rent payable under the agreement does not exceed an amount (which must be at least $250 per week) prescribed by regulation for the purposes of this paragraph four weeks rent under the agreement; if the rent payable under the agreement exceeds an amount prescribed by regulation for the purposes of this paragraph six weeks rent under the agreement. 22 This version is not published under the Legislation Revision and Publication Act 2002 [ ]
23 Residential Tenancies Act 1995 Mutual rights and obligations of landlord and tenant Part 4 Bonds Division 4 (4) The relevant limit is, in the first instance, calculated by reference to the rent or if the rent varies, the lowest rent payable during the first six months of the tenancy (expressed as a weekly rent) and if there is to be an increase in the amount of the bond, the relevant limit is calculated by reference to the rent (expressed as a weekly rent) payable when the notice of increase is given. (5) For the purposes of determining the relevant limit, any amount payable under a domestic services agreement collateral to the residential tenancy agreement is not to be regarded as rent. 62 Receipt of bond and transmission to Commissioner (1) A person must, within 48 hours after receiving an amount paid by way of a bond, give the person who paid a receipt stating the date payment was received, the name of the person from whom the payment was received, the amount paid, and the address of the premises to which the payment relates. Maximum penalty: $ Expiation fee: $210. (2) A person who receives an amount by way of a bond must pay the amount of the bond to the Commissioner within the period allowed by regulation. Maximum penalty: $ Expiation fee: $ Repayment of bond (1) An application may be made to the Commissioner for payment of the whole amount of the bond either to the landlord or the tenant; or payment of a specified amount of the bond to the landlord and the balance to the tenant. (2) The application must be in a form approved by the Commissioner; and may be made jointly by the landlord and the tenant or by either the landlord or the tenant. (3) If the application is undisputed, the Commissioner must pay out the amount of the bond as specified in the application. (4) If an application is liable to be disputed, the Commissioner must give the respondent written notice of the application (in a form the Commissioner considers appropriate) and inform the respondent that, if the respondent wants to dispute the application, a written notice of dispute must be lodged with the Commissioner within ten days after the date the notice is given to the respondent. (5) If the respondent does not give the Commissioner written notice of dispute within 10 days after the day on which the Commissioner's notice under subsection (4) is given to the respondent, the Commissioner may pay out the amount of the bond as proposed in the application. [ ] This version is not published under the Legislation Revision and Publication Act