Sharon has been renting homes for 30 years.
She moved into a rental at Tarneit in February last year, and says the experience with the landlord has been like nothing she’s experienced before.
“After being approved for the property, we were forced to move in a week before the date we wanted … the landlord said if we don’t move in the day that he wanted us to, he’d give it to someone else.
“Then we had issues with repairs,” she said. “The back blinds wouldn’t close, the ensuite tap was leaking and the air conditioner was playing up. It was only when we put two applications in to take the landlord to VCAT that he decided to do the repairs.”
The situation got worse when she was told to find a new property as the landlord was moving back into the house.
She began her search, but he then “changed his mind” and let her stay.
“I’m actively looking for another property.”
In the 2015-16 financial year, 123 complaints had been lodged to Consumer Affairs Victoria by both tenants and landlords.
The state government foreshadowed sweeping changes to rental laws, and is seeking feedback from both renters and landlords.
Proposed tenancy law changes include:
•Introducing a mediation service;
•Minimum health and safety standards for rental properties;
•Improving incentives for landlords to make repairs quickly;
•Requiring notices to vacate to be accompanied by supporting evidence;
•Banning unreasonable no pets clauses;
•Banning rental bidding;
•Enabling fixed term leases longer than five years.
Werribee MP Tim Pallas said it was important that a fair balance is struck between the rights of landlords and the rights of their tenants.
To make a submission: fairersaferhousing.vic.gov.au/renting
