📜 Residential Tenancies Amendment (Rent Cap) Bill 2026

Legislative Council Second ReadingLCBill 707 May 2026Private Member

This bill amends the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 to limit rent increases to a CPI-linked formula, allow landlords to apply to a court for increases above the limit, restrict reasons for terminating tenancies, and address social housing tenancy terminations.

Impact

Tenants will be affected by the rent cap and increased security of tenure. Landlords will be affected by the limitations on rent increases and restrictions on terminating leases. Courts will handle applications for rent increases above the cap.

Key Changes

["Limits rent increases based on a CPI-linked formula.", "Allows lessors to apply to a court for rent increases above the limit.", "Restricts the grounds for lessors to terminate periodic tenancies.", "Makes specific provision for termination of social housing tenancy agreements."]

Parliamentary Progress

LC First ReadingLC7 May 2026
LC Second Reading MovedLC7 May 2026
LC Second Reading SpeechLC7 May 2026

Affected Sectors

housing

Penalty Provisions1 found

💰 Max fine: $5,000unclear

31AB(8)Unclearfine

Demanding or receiving rent from the residential premises that exceeds the amount ordered by the court under subsection (5).

Fine: $5,000

“A person must not demand or receive rent from the residential premises that exceeds the amount ordered by the court under subsection (5). Penalty for this subsection: a fine of $5 000.”

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