The amendments to the Residential Tenancy Act that were slated to take effect from 1st July this year have been pushed back three months until 1st October 2014.  The reason given for the delay by the Office of Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading was the timing of the change of Government.  The Tenants’ Union are relieved that the amendments will go ahead in full despite their being several landlord friendly amendments.  Principal Solicitor of the Tenants’ Union, Tim Walter said that “after five years of discussion and negotiation there was a fear that the amendments would not be enacted. Of course we would prefer it that the legislation start earlier to avoid the effects of another harsh Tasmanian winter, but when we compare that to a potential five or more years with the same legislation, we’ll take the three month wait”.

There will be more news on this website about the new legislation as it comes to hand.