Proposed new RTA clause not needed

A new section inserted into the RTA will empower the Tenancy Tribunal, in a limited range of circumstances, to order a landlord to use the services of a licensed residential property manager in any subsequent tenancies if they have committed two or more unlawful acts in five years in cases before the tribunal or the District Court.

It has surprised the Property Investors Federation. Vice-president Peter Lewis says he can see the philosophy behind the change, but the federation believes making a landlord use a property manager if they transgress twice in five years is punitive and not effective.

“We think it should be enforced if a landlord commits two unlawful acts within twelve months. It would sort out the really bad landlords.”

He says the federation doesn’t think the new proposed clause is actually necessary. “Quite draconian penalties of up to $6,000 already exist for landlords who do the wrong thing and act badly.