Rental properties must now be advertised at a fixed price, rather than a price range or starting amount (from price). 

Lessors and agents cannot pressure tenants into offering more than the advertised price however, tenants can still voluntarily offer to pay more at the time of application and a Lessor may accept this offer.

This change aims to promote fairness in the rental market. 

Tenants now have a clear procedure to apply to court in the event that they believe that either the Lessor or agent is retaliating against them for exercising their rental rights. 

Examples of events that would be deemed as retaliatory action are: 

A Lessor/ Agent issuing a breach notice without due cause, increasing rent without due cause, initiating termination without due cause, or not renewing a tenancy agreement in response to a tenant's request for maintenance or complaint. 

A magistrate will then look at the evidence provided and determine if these actions are in fact retaliatory.

Rent increases will only be allowed once every 12 months, rather than every 6 months as has been commonplace. 

• For periodic rental agreements (with no end date), the minimum 12-month time frame between rent increases will apply from 29 July 2024, regardless of when the agreement was signed.
• For fixed term rental agreements signed on or after 29 July 2024, the minimum 12-month time frame between rent increases will apply from 29 July 2024.
• For fixed term rental agreements signed before 29 July 2024, the minimum 12-month time frame between rent increases will apply once the current fixed term ends.

In most cases pets will be allowed in rental properties, however tenants must follow procedure and seek permission, prior to getting a pet. Tenants will need to fill in an approved form to give to the landlord or agent.