There has been quite a buzz over the past few months regarding the Rental Housing Amendment Act, in the belief that a date will soon be set for the implementation of this new legislation, says Barry Davies, Director for the Chas Everitt International property group.
The "new" Act, which was actually passed in 2014, contains the most recent amendments to the Rental Housing Act of 1999, which is still in force and, together with the Consumer Protection Act and the common law, currently governs the overall relationship between tenant and landlord and sets out their statutory rights and obligations.
"The new legislation elaborates on this relationship and aims to clarify certain aspects of the older Act that have given rise to many differences of interpretation." The main provisions that landlords and tenants need to be aware of are:
Davies says landlords who do not comply with these and other requirements within six months of the new legislation coming into force could be liable to pay a fine or even face a jail sentence for non-compliance. "They will also need to keep in mind the provisions of the Rental Housing Act, which will remain in force, as well as the CPA.
"And these legal complexities will make it all the more important for landlords to appoint reputable, reliable, knowledgeable, qualified and legally registered rental management agents to assist them and ensure they remain compliant."
Issued by Chas Everitt International
For more information contact
Barry Davies on
011 801 2500 or visit