As new data reveals the number of rental complaints in Werribee, residents are being urged to have their say on possible changes to renting rules.

Member for Werribee, Tim Pallas said that 123 complaints had been lodged in Werribee in 2015-16.

Tim Pallas said the complaints, made by tenants, landlords and real estate agents over the last year, reaffirmed the importance of the Andrews Labor Government’s overhaul of the Residential Tenancies Act.

As the number of renters continued to grow, it was vital the community had a say in shaping the new laws.

The Government is seeking feedback on a range of options including:

• Facilitating fixed term leases of longer than five years
• Restricting rental increases to once per year
• Banning rental bids
• Introducing minimum health and safety standards for rental properties
• Improving incentives for landlords to make repairs quickly, such as restrictions on charging market rent
• Introducing a mediation service with powers to make binding decisions
• Requiring notices to vacate to be accompanied by supporting evidence
• Requiring tenants to have landlord consent before listing a property on Airbnb or similar sites
• Allowing tenants who are victims of family violence to challenge notices to vacate if given as a result of conduct by a perpetrator
• Banning unreasonable ‘no pets’ clauses in tenancy agreements.

The proposals have been developed following 331 written responses to the Fairer Safer Housing discussion papers and 3,500 contributions to forums and quick polls.

Submissions close on 10 February, 2017. To make a submission visit: fairersaferhousing.vic.gov.au/renting

Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee, Tim Pallas

 “We need to make sure that we’re striking a fair balance between the rights of landlords and the rights of renters.”

“If they have an experience to share, I’d encourage local renters and landlords to be a part of the conversation.”