18Aug2020
Changes in Residential Tenancy Laws in Hobart, Tasmania during COVID-19
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the lives of people across Australia and Hobart, Tasmania is not different. In the city, the government has enforced rules for social distancing, public gatherings, and much more. Many changes have been made, and among these changes important ones are related to the residential tenancy laws.
For people living in the city, now is a crucial time to be proactive and smart if you are the end of a tenancy and need to move out successfully. Here is a complete guide outlining the changes in the residential laws for guidance to help you plan your next move. Additionally, read on to learn expert tips by professional end of lease cleaners in Hobart to get your entire bond back.
Changes According to the COVID-19 Disease (Emergency Provisions) Act 2020 for Evictions
Earlier announcements were made to extend the dates for evictions for up to 30th June 2020 under emergencies. Considering the impact of the pandemic on the people, it was recently extended to 30th September 2020 providing protection to tenants who are severely impacted by the pandemic and needed to stay at their current rented property. Thus, even if a landlord did serve the tenant with an eviction notice before or after 3rd April 2020, the tenant can remain in the property and cannot be asked to leave until the 30th September. Please note these changes are only applicable for people whose income, health, and livelihood are hampered by the pandemic. Therefore, tenants who can pay rent and move out at the end of their tenancies should continue to honour their lease agreements. During this stressful and challenging time, it is essential tenants and landlords act wisely, cooperate, and manage their lease agreements with responsibility.Other Important Changes that have been Implemented
Here is a list of a variety of changes to pay attention to for knowing if they are applicable to you and will impact your tenancy arrangements. Have a look.- Tenants can move out of a property if it is via mutual consent with their landlords
- There is an immediate stop to increase in rent from 23rd April to 30th September 2020 even the ones that were scheduled to happen. It can be altered according to the agreement of both parties after written, and signed copies are made
- A lease agreement can come to an end naturally as the tenancy gets over or when the lease is for a non-fixed term as the property is on sale, renovations are being made, or the property owner/ their family member has to occupy the property.
- In case the tenant is using the property unlawfully then the lease agreement will be terminated immediately
- A lease agreement can also be terminated in case the court orders it, the tenant/landlord is facing hardship, or there are unforeseen circumstances that make the property unfit for living
Can a Tenant Break a Lease?
There can be instances when the tenant has to break the lease, and the current temporary amendments allow them to terminate their agreement legally. The situations when this option is viable are mentioned as follows.- If the tenant is facing is a severe hardship due to COVID-19 pandemic
- The tenant has informed the property owners or manager of her hardship and the landlord is ready to break the lease
- It is the only option that the tenant has and no other possibilities like subletting, completing the lease tenure etc. are not feasible
- The tenant’s lease is not fixed, and the property owner/manager needs the property for personal use or to help a family member stay in a time of need
Tips for People Planning to Move
If you are a tenant who is not severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and needs to plan for the move soon, here are some tips for you by experts in Hobart.- Talk to your property owner or manager regarding the terms and conditions for moving out successfully, which would include the end of lease cleaning, claiming of a bond refund, and other things.
- Reread your lease contract to know if you have to hire a specific end of lease cleaning company in Hobart or you can choose one yourself. Sometimes, landlords can put in suggestions or references.
- If you have the option to perform the bond clean yourself still get professional assistance because during a pandemic no one will be able to purge the property as safely and effectively as experts
- Before the end of lease cleaning experts in Hobart arrive at your rented property, make sure all the belongings are moved, and the space is empty
- See if you can hire professionals offering contact-less end of lease cleaning services in Hobart to maintain social distance
- Before packing lighten your packing and moving load by decluttering your belongings and only packing things you really need at the new house. Rest of things can be segregated for discarding, donating or reselling.
- While booking an end of lease cleaning company in Hobart, make sure it offers a bond back guarantee. Usually reputed companies offer this service in which after the bond clean is done, and you can call them for re-cleans in case something is left or missed. It is the bond back period which is usually up to 7 days.
- Besides hiring professional end of lease cleaners in Hobart, don’t forget to take the support of near and dear ones to help clean and disinfect your rented property.