Make a submission due 23 May

Another step to improve renting is being taken with a new law on the way that will ban letting fees. Usually charged as the equivalent of one week’s rent on top of the usual 4 weeks rent as bond and 2 weeks rent in advance, these fees are an unnecessary and unfair cost to people seeking a rental home.

The government wants this ban in place before the end of the year. It is a simple and straightforward step to reduce the costs for renters who face hefty up-front costs when starting a tenancy. The Social Services and Community Committee is now seeking feedback on The Residential Tenancies (Prohibiting Letting Fees) Amendment Bill.

The Bill amends the Residential Tenancies Act 1986 to prohibit the charging of a letting fee, or any other fee charged to a tenant, in respect of charges for services rendered by a letting agent, solicitor, or any other person in relation to a tenancy.

Public submissions on the Bill are open until Wednesday 23 May 2018. The Committee will report back to Parliament by 5 October 2018. Find out more on the Parliament website.