Many tenants across Australia are becoming anxious about the end to the moratorium on rental evictions. With a current rental vacancy rate less than 1% and an expected rise in rents to 15 to 20% after the end of the moratorium extension, there’s reason for worry.
However, tenants have rights, and these shouldn’t be ignored.
With tenant rights in the spotlight…what do you need to know?
Read more from the Perth property management experts at Pro Property Group to find out.
What happens after the moratorium?
The moratorium on rental evictions saw rents frozen for almost 12 months. This strategy was established to keep a guaranteed roof over tenant’s heads during times where job losses, lockdowns and other pandemic-related uncertainties were apparent.
However, on March 28th, 2021, this will end.
Tenants may be asked to leave their rental:
- If they are on a periodic lease,
- Are in rent arrears, and/or
- The tenant(s) have not met their rental obligations or standards.
However, a landlord must give sufficient notice to the tenant.
Tenant rights on rental increases
Throughout the duration of the emergency rental period, rents were not allowed to increase. They were however, able to decrease if both parties agreed, due to pandemic hardship.
Tenancy WA Executive Manager Carmen Acosta is expecting many landlords will increase rents when the moratorium ends.
The good news? Tenants have a right to appeal the increase if they deem it to be excessive under Section 32 of the Residential Tenancies Act.
What else can tenants do?
- Look at the price of similar rental properties in the same area to educate yourself on what you should be paying.
Talk to a Perth property management expert today to find the right rental for you.
My landlord is moving back to Perth or selling– where do I stand?
A landlord cannot terminate a residential tenancy agreement simply because they want to move back into the property themselves.
However, by court order, the landlord can terminate a lease if they need to return to the premises as their primary residence because they are facing “undue hardship.” If this occurs during a fixed-term agreement though, the tenant can apply for compensation.
A landlord also cannot terminate a fixed-term tenancy, simply because they desire to sell the property.
I think my landlord is being difficult – what are my rights?
Tensions between some landlords and tenants have increased during the moratorium. For example, some tenants believe their landlords were becoming difficult to make them want to leave.
If your landlord is coming around the property on a daily or weekly basis, not only is this a nuisance, it’s illegal. As a Perth property management team, we recommend tenants seek legal advice if they have evidence of their landlord being difficult or hostile towards them.
After all, during a residential tenancy, and paying your rent, the property is essentially yours to live in and enjoy.
If in doubt, trust the Perth property management services from Pro Property Group real estate agency.
We’re here to help make rental agreements and arrangements stress-free for everyone involved.
Need professional property management in Perth?
Contact Pro Property Group today to discover a real estate agency who works equally for landlords and tenants.
