2004
THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
FOR THE AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

(As presented)
(Attorney-General)
Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill 2004

Contents
	Page
	1	Name of Act	2
	2	Commencement	2
	3	Legislation amended	2
	4	Title	2
	5	Interpretation
Section 3 (1), definition of energy efficiency rating statement, lessor, prescribed terms, residential tenancy agreement, retirement village, tenancy dispute, tenant and working day	3
	6	Section 3 (1), definitions (as amended)	3
	7	Section 3, remainder	3
	8	Sections 4 to 10	4
	9	Alternative to a bond—insurance
Section 17	10
	10	Condition reports
Section 29 (1)	10
	11	Section 29 (3)	10
	12	Section 29 (4)	11
	13	Section 29 (5)	11
	14	Section 51	11
	15	Section 57	12
	16	Effect of abandonment
Section 61, new note	13
	17	Successor in title to lessor
Section 64 (1), new examples	13
	18	New section 64 (1A)	13
	19	Section 64	13
	20	Guideline for orders 
Section 68 (5)	14
	21	Reduction of existing rent
New section 71 (1A)	14
	22	Section 71	14
	23	New part 5A	14
	24	Part 6 heading	17
	25	Section 72	18
	26	Applications for resolution of dispute
New section 73 (1A)	19
	27	Section 73	19
	28	Procedural powers of tribunal
Section 102	19
	29	Section 102 (e)	19
	30	New section 102 (2)	20
	31	Section 102	20
	32	Orders
New section 104 (ja)	20
	33	Section 104	20
	34	Section 105	21
	35	Membership
Section 112 (4), new note	21
	36	New section 115A	22
	37	Functions and powers
Section 117 (1) (d) and (e)	22
	38	Section 120	23
	39	Appeal from decisions of tribunal
Section 126 (2)	23
	40	Determined criteria
Section 134	24
	41	New part 10	24
	42	New dictionary	25
Schedule 1	Amendments of prescribed terms	27
Schedule 2	Other amendments	34

2004
THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
FOR THE AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

(As presented)
(Attorney-General)
Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill 2004

A Bill for
An Act to amend the Residential Tenancies Act 1997

    

The Legislative Assembly for the Australian Capital Territory enacts as follows:

1	Name of Act
This Act is the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2004.
2	Commencement
	(1)	This Act commences on a day fixed by the Minister by written notice.
Note 1	The naming and commencement provisions automatically commence on the notification day (see Legislation Act, s 75 (1)).
Note 2	A single day or time may be fixed, or different days or times may be fixed, for the commencement of different provisions (see Legislation Act, s 77 (1)).
Note 3	If a provision has not commenced within 6 months beginning on the notification day, it automatically commences on the first day after that period (see Legislation Act, s 79).
	(2)	The Legislation Act, section 79 (Automatic commencement of postponed law) does not apply to schedule 1.
	(3)	However, if schedule 1 has not commenced by 1 January 2007, schedule 1 automatically commences on that day.
3	Legislation amended
This Act amends the Residential Tenancies Act 1997.
4	Title
substitute
An Act relating to residential tenancies and occupancy agreements
5	Interpretation
Section 3 (1), definition of energy efficiency rating statement, lessor, prescribed terms, residential tenancy agreement, retirement village, tenancy dispute, tenant and working day
omit
6	Section 3 (1), definitions (as amended)
relocate to dictionary
7	Section 3, remainder
substitute
2	Dictionary
The dictionary at the end of this Act is part of this Act.
Note 1	The dictionary at the end of this Act defines certain terms used in this Act, and includes references (signpost definitions) to other terms defined elsewhere.
	For example, the signpost definition ‘energy efficiency rating statement—see the Civil Law (Sale of Residential Property) Act 2003, s 20.’ means that the term ‘energy efficiency rating statement’ is defined in that section and the definition applies to this Act.
Note 2	A definition in the dictionary (including a signpost definition) applies to the entire Act unless the definition, or another provision of the Act, provides otherwise or the contrary intention otherwise appears (see Legislation Act, s 155 and s 156 (1)).
3	Notes
A note included in this Act is explanatory and is not part of this Act.
Note	See Legislation Act, s 127 (1), (4) and (5) for the legal status of notes.
8	Sections 4 to 10
substitute
4	Application of Act
This Act does not apply in relation to—
	(a)	a retirement village containing a complex of residential premises (whether or not including hostel units) established mainly for occupation by people who are at least 55 years old under a scheme in which a person makes a payment (including a gift) to the entity administering the scheme in consideration for being admitted as a resident of the complex; or
	(b)	a nursing home or hostel for aged or disabled people conducted by an eligible organisation under the Aged or Disabled Persons Care Act 1954 (Cwlth); or
	(c)	premises prescribed under the regulations.
Note 1	A reference to an Act includes a reference to the statutory instruments made or in force under the Act, including regulations (see Legislation Act, s 104).
Note 2	The Aged or Disabled Persons Care Act 1954 (Cwlth) is available at scaleplus.law.gov.au
Part 1A	Meaning of residential tenancy agreement
5	Who is a lessor?
	(1)	A person is a lessor if the person grants a right of occupation under a residential tenancy agreement.
	(2)	Lessor includes a prospective lessor.
6	Who is a tenant?
	(1)	A person is a tenant if the person has a right of occupation under a residential tenancy agreement.
	(2)	Tenant includes a prospective tenant.
6A	What is a residential tenancy agreement?
	(1)	An agreement is a residential tenancy agreement if, under the agreement—
	(a)	a person gives someone else (the tenant) a right to occupy stated premises; and
	(b)	the premises are for the tenant to use as a home (whether or not together with other people); and
	(c)	the right is given for value.
	(2)	The agreement may be—
	(a)	express or implied; or
	(b)	in writing, oral, or partly in writing and partly oral.
	(3)	The right to occupy may be—
	(a)	exclusive or not exclusive; and
	(b)	given with a right to use facilities, furniture or goods.
	(4)	This section is subject to the following sections:
·	section 6D (Certain kinds of agreements not residential tenancy agreements)
·	section 6E (Certain people given right of occupation not tenants)
·	section 6F (Certain kinds of premises mean no residential tenancy agreement).
6B	Residential tenancy agreement if agreement written and says it is residential tenancy agreement
Despite section 6A (4), an agreement is a residential tenancy agreement if it—
	(a)	complies with section 6A (1) to (3); and
	(b)	is in writing; and
	(c)	expressly states that it is a residential tenancy agreement.
6C	Residential tenancy agreement if agreement part of employment
Despite section 6A (4), an agreement mentioned in section 6A (1) to (3) is a residential tenancy agreement if the person who is given the right to occupy the premises occupies the premises as the person’s home under the terms and conditions of the person’s employment.
6D	Certain kinds of agreements not residential tenancy agreements
	(1)	A residential tenancy agreement does not include an agreement—
	(a)	arising under a mortgage entered into honestly in relation to the premises; or
	(b)	arising under a scheme if—
	(i)	a group of adjacent premises is owned by a company; and
	(ii)	the tenants who have rights to occupy the adjacent premises are people who jointly have a controlling interest in the company; or
	(c)	entered into honestly to provide a right to occupy the premises for a holiday; or
	(d)	prescribed under the regulations.
	(2)	This section is subject to the following sections:
·	section 6B (Residential tenancy agreement if agreement written and says it is residential tenancy agreement)
·	section 6C (Residential tenancy agreement if agreement part of employment).
6E	Certain people given right of occupation not tenants
	(1)	A residential tenancy agreement does not include an agreement for the right to occupy premises if the person given the right of occupation is—
	(a)	a party to an agreement entered into honestly for the sale or purchase of the premises; or
	(b)	a boarder or lodger; or
	(c)	a person prescribed under the regulations.
	(2)	This section is subject to the following sections:
·	section 6B (Residential tenancy agreement if agreement written and says it is residential tenancy agreement)
·	section 6C (Residential tenancy agreement if agreement part of employment).
6F	Certain kinds of premises mean no residential tenancy agreement
	(1)	A residential tenancy agreement does not include an agreement for the right to occupy premises if the premises are—
	(a)	a caravan or mobile home in a mobile home park; or
	(b)	a hotel or motel; or
	(c)	used for a club; or
	(d)	on the campus of an educational institution; or
	(e)	prescribed under the regulations.
Note	This Act does not apply to retirement villages, nursing homes, hostels for aged or disabled people or other prescribed premises (see s 4).
	(2)	This section is subject to the following sections:
·	section 6B (Residential tenancy agreement if agreement written and says it is residential tenancy agreement)
·	section 6C (Residential tenancy agreement if agreement part of employment).
7	When does residential tenancy agreement start?
A residential tenancy agreement starts on the earliest of the following days:
	(a)	the day stated in the agreement;
	(b)	the 1st day both parties have signed the agreement and received a copy signed by the other;
	(c)	the day the tenant takes possession of the premises;
	(d)	the 1st day the lessor receives rent from the tenant.
Part 2	Residential tenancy agreements
Division 2.1	Terms of agreement
8	Standard residential tenancy terms
A residential tenancy agreement—
	(a)	must contain, and is taken to contain, terms to the effect of the standard residential tenancy terms mentioned in schedule 1; and
	(b)	may contain any other term—
	(i)	that is consistent with the standard residential tenancy terms; or
	(ii)	that is inconsistent with a standard residential tenancy term if the term has been endorsed by the tribunal under section 10.
9	Inconsistent terms void
	(1)	A term of a residential tenancy agreement is void if—
	(a)	it is inconsistent with a standard residential tenancy term; and
	(b)	it has not been endorsed by the tribunal under section 10.
	(2)	A term of a residential tenancy agreement is void if it is inconsistent with this Act (other than a standard residential tenancy term).
10	Endorsement of inconsistent terms by tribunal
	(1)	The parties to a residential tenancy agreement may apply in writing to the tribunal for endorsement of a term of the agreement (the inconsistent term) that is inconsistent with a standard residential tenancy term.
	(2)	If the parties apply for endorsement of the inconsistent term, the tribunal must do 1 of the following:
	(a)	endorse the inconsistent term;
	(b)	substitute the equivalent standard residential tenancy term for the inconsistent term.
	(3)	In making a decision under subsection (2), the tribunal must consider—
	(a)	the criteria determined under subsection (5); and
	(b)	whether the inclusion of the inconsistent term in the residential tenancy agreement was obtained by fraud or undue influence.
	(4)	The tribunal must not endorse a term that is inconsistent with this Act (other than a standard residential tenancy term).
	(5)	The Minister may determine criteria for subsection (3) (a).
	(6)	A determination is a disallowable instrument.
Note	A disallowable instrument must be notified, and presented to the Legislative Assembly, under the Legislation Act.
9	Alternative to a bond—insurance
Section 17
omit
10	Condition reports
Section 29 (1)
omit
3 copies
substitute
2 copies
11	Section 29 (3)
omit
2 of those copies
substitute
1 copy
12	Section 29 (4)
omit
the copies
substitute
the copy
13	Section 29 (5)
omit
14	Section 51
substitute
51	Damage, injury or intention to damage or injure
On application, the tribunal may make a termination and possession order effective immediately if satisfied that the tenant has intentionally or recklessly caused or allowed, or is likely to cause or allow—
	(a)	serious damage to the premises or to other property of the lessor; or
	(b)	if the lessor is an individual—injury to the lessor or a member of the lessor’s family; or
	(c)	if the lessor is a corporation—injury to a representative of the corporation or a member of a representative’s family.
15	Section 57
substitute
57	Retaliatory applications
	(1)	This section applies if—
	(a)	a lessor has applied for a termination and possession order under this part; and
	(b)	the tenant presents evidence that—
	(i)	the tenant applied to the tribunal for an order in relation to the lessor; or
	(ii)	the tenant complained to a governmental entity in relation to the lessor; or
	(iii)	the tenant took reasonable action to secure or enforce the tenant’s rights; or
Examples
	1	The tenant sought legal advice.
	2	The tenant sought mediation.
	(iv)	the tribunal made an order in favour of the tenant against the lessor.
Note	An example is part of the Act, is not exhaustive and may extend, but does not limit, the meaning of the provision in which it appears (see Legislation Act, s 126 and s 132).
	(2)	The tribunal must refuse to make the termination and possession order—
	(a)	if satisfied that the circumstance mentioned in subsection (1) (b) exists; and
	(b)	in the absence of proof to the satisfaction of the tribunal that the lessor was not motivated to apply for a termination and possession order by the circumstance.
	(3)	Subsection (2) applies despite any other provision of this part.
16	Effect of abandonment
Section 61, new note
insert
Note	If there is a dispute about the date of abandonment, the parties may apply to the tribunal for an order declaring when the premises were abandoned (see s 104 (ja)).
17	Successor in title to lessor
Section 64 (1), new examples
insert
Examples
1	The lessor dies and the premises are inherited by the lessor’s child.  The child may terminate the tenancy.
2	The lessor mortgages the premises, defaults on the mortgage and the mortgagee forecloses.  The mortgagee may terminate the tenancy.
Note	An example is part of the Act, is not exhaustive and may extend, but does not limit, the meaning of the provision in which it appears (see Legislation Act, s 126 and s 132).
18	New section 64 (1A)
insert
	(1A)	A person cannot terminate a tenancy under subsection (1) if the person—
	(a)	is a purchaser of the premises; and
	(b)	knew about the tenancy, or could reasonably be expected to have known about the tenancy, before purchasing the premises.
19	Section 64
renumber subsections when Act next republished under Legislation Act
20	Guideline for orders 
Section 68 (5)
substitute
	(5)	In subsection (2):
index number means the rents component of the housing group of the Consumer Price Index for Canberra published from time to time by the Australian statistician.
21	Reduction of existing rent
New section 71 (1A)
insert
	(1A)	To remove any doubt and for subsection (1), a tenant’s quiet enjoyment of premises is interfered with if there is substantial interference with, or a significant lessening of freedom in exercising, the tenant’s rights.
22	Section 71
renumber subsections when Act next republished under Legislation Act
23	New part 5A
insert
Part 5A	Occupancy agreements
71A	Who is a grantor?
	(1)	A person is a grantor if the person grants a right of occupation under an occupancy agreement.
	(2)	Grantor includes a prospective grantor.
71B	Who is an occupant?
	(1)	A person is an occupant if the person has a right of occupation under an occupancy agreement.
	(2)	Occupant includes a prospective occupant.
71C	What is an occupancy agreement?
	(1)	An agreement is an occupancy agreement if—
	(a)	a person (the grantor) gives someone else (the occupant) a right to occupy stated premises; and
	(b)	the premises are for the occupant to use as a home (whether or not with other people); and
	(c)	the right is given for value; and
	(d)	the grantor may lawfully terminate the agreement, without cause, by giving less than 6 months notice; and
	(e)	the agreement is not a residential tenancy agreement.
	(2)	The agreement may be—
	(a)	express or implied; or
	(b)	in writing, oral, or partly in writing and partly oral.
	(3)	The right to occupy may be—
	(a)	exclusive or not;
	(b)	given with a right to use facilities, furniture or goods.
	(4)	The person given the right to occupy the premises may be—
	(a)	a boarder or lodger; or
	(b)	someone prescribed under the regulations for this section.
Note	This Act does not apply to retirement villages, nursing homes, hostels for aged or disabled people or other prescribed premises (see s 4).
71D	When does an occupancy agreement start?
An occupancy agreement starts on the earliest of the following days:
	(a)	the day stated in the agreement;
	(b)	the 1st day both parties have signed the agreement and received a copy signed by the other;
	(c)	the day the occupant takes possession of the premises;
	(d)	the 1st day the grantor receives rent from the occupant.
71E	Occupancy principles
In considering a matter, or making a decision, under this Act in relation to an occupancy agreement for premises, a person must have regard to the following principles (the occupancy principles):
	(a)	an occupant is entitled to live in premises that are—
	(i)	reasonably clean; and
	(ii)	in a reasonable state of repair; and
	(iii)	reasonably secure;
	(b)	an occupant is entitled to know the rules of the premises before moving in;
	(c)	an occupant is entitled to quiet enjoyment of the premises;
	(d)	a grantor is entitled to enter the premises for inspections, to carry out repairs and for other reasonable purposes;
	(e)	an occupant is entitled to know why and how the occupancy may be terminated, including how much notice will be given before eviction;
	(f)	an occupant must not be evicted without reasonable notice;
	(g)	a grantor and occupant should try to resolve disputes using reasonable dispute resolution processes.
71F	Regulations about occupancy agreements
	(1)	The regulations may make provision in relation to occupancy agreements, including, for example, standard occupancy terms.
Note 1	Power under an Act to make regulations includes power to make different provision for different classes of matters (see Legislation Act, s 48 (1) (a)).
Note 2	An example is part of the Act, is not exhaustive and may extend, but does not limit, the meaning of the provision in which it appears (see Legislation Act, s 126 and s 132).
	(2)	Regulations about standard occupancy terms must be consistent with the occupancy principles.
71G	Standard occupancy terms
An occupancy agreement—
	(a)	must contain, and is taken to contain, terms to the effect of the standard occupancy terms prescribed under the regulations; and
	(b)	may contain any other term that is consistent with—
	(i)	the standard occupancy terms; and
	(ii)	the occupancy principles.
24	Part 6 heading
substitute
Part 6	Resolution of residential tenancy and occupancy disputes
Division 6.1A	Important concepts
71H	What is a tenancy dispute?
	(1)	A dispute is a tenancy dispute if it—
	(a)	is between the parties to a residential tenancy agreement; and
	(b)	is about, or relates to, the agreement.
	(2)	A tenancy dispute includes—
	(a)	a dispute if an application relating to the dispute may be made under part 4 (Termination of residential tenancy agreements) or part 5 (Rental rate increases); and
	(b)	an application for compensation under this Act.
71I	What is an occupancy dispute?
A dispute is an occupancy dispute if it—
	(a)	is between the parties to an occupancy agreement; and
	(b)	is about, or relates to, the agreement.
71J	Tribunal to have regard to occupancy principles
In considering a matter, or making a decision, under this part in relation to an occupancy dispute, the tribunal must have regard to the occupancy principles.
25	Section 72
substitute
72	Assistance with inquiries
The registrar may give whatever assistance the registrar considers appropriate in relation to an inquiry about a residential tenancy agreement or occupancy agreement, including—
	(a)	referring the person making the inquiry to services provided by the public or private sector that give advice about residential tenancy or occupancy matters generally; and
	(b)	referring the person to services provided by the public or private sector for the resolution of tenancy disputes or occupancy disputes; and
	(c)	assisting the person to make an application for the resolution of a dispute.
26	Applications for resolution of dispute
New section 73 (1A)
insert
	(1A)	A party to an occupancy agreement may apply for a resolution of an occupancy dispute.
27	Section 73
renumber subsections when Act next republished under Legislation Act
28	Procedural powers of tribunal
Section 102
omit
In addition to
substitute
	(1)	In addition to
29	Section 102 (e)
omit
30	New section 102 (2)
insert
	(2)	The tribunal may amend or set aside an order it has made if—
	(a)	the order was made after hearing a proceeding in the absence of a party; or
	(b)	the order is in error in relation to an amount of money or the name or address of a party, and the tribunal proposes to amend or set aside the order only to correct the error; or
	(c)	extraordinary circumstances make it appropriate to amend or set aside the order.
31	Section 102
renumber paragraphs when Act next republished under Legislation Act
32	Orders
New section 104 (ja)
insert
	(ja)	an order declaring the premises were abandoned on a particular day;
33	Section 104
renumber paragraphs when Act next republished under Legislation Act
34	Section 105
substitute
104A	Tribunal may refer matters to other entities
The tribunal may, by order, refer a dispute before it to another entity if satisfied that the dispute could be more appropriately dealt with by the other entity.
104B	Tribunal to record details of order
If the tribunal makes an order, the tribunal must make and keep a written record of the details of the order.
Note	The tribunal may determine which particular details are to be recorded (see s 120 (2)).
105	Tribunal to give copy of order and order details to parties
	(1)	If the tribunal makes an order, the tribunal must give each party to the hearing a copy of the order within 1 week after the day the tribunal made the order.
	(2)	A party may ask the tribunal for a copy of the details of the order within 1 week after the day the tribunal made the order.
	(3)	If a party asks the tribunal for a copy of the details of the order within 1 week after the day the tribunal made the order, the tribunal must give the party a copy of the details of the order within 1 week after the day the party made the application.
35	Membership
Section 112 (4), new note
insert
Note	The president may appoint a member to the tribunal for the hearing of a particular class of matters (see Legislation Act s 48 (1)).
36	New section 115A
in division 7.1, insert
115A	Disputes about agreements no longer in force
If a residential tenancy agreement or occupancy agreement is no longer in force, the tribunal may decide a tenancy dispute or occupancy dispute arising from the agreement only if—
	(a)	this Act applied to the agreement while the agreement was in force; and
	(b)	a party makes an application to the tribunal about the dispute within 6 years after the day, or the last day, the conduct giving rise to the dispute happened.
37	Functions and powers
Section 117 (1) (d) and (e)
substitute
	(d)	to provide lessors, tenants, grantors, occupants and the public with information and education about residential tenancy agreements and occupancy agreements;
	(e)	to consult regularly with relevant entities in the public and private sectors about residential tenancy and occupancy issues and inform the president and the Minister about any issues relating to residential tenancy or occupancy raised by those entities;
38	Section 120
substitute
120	Procedure generally
	(1)	If this Act does not prescribe a procedure for a matter in a hearing or a step in a proceeding, the tribunal may determine its own procedure for the matter or step.
	(2)	Without limiting subsection (1), the tribunal may determine which details of the order are to be recorded for section 104B (Tribunal to record details of order).
Note	A reference to an Act includes a reference to the statutory instruments made or in force under the Act, including regulations (see Legislation Act, s 104).
39	Appeal from decisions of tribunal
Section 126 (2)
substitute
	(2)	The appeal must be made—
	(a)	within 4 weeks after the day the tribunal gives a copy of the order to the party (under section 105 (1)); or
	(b)	if the party has asked for a copy of the details of the order within 1 week after the day the order was made (under section 105 (2))—within 4 weeks after the day the tribunal gives the details of the order to the party (under section 105 (3)); or
	(c)	if the party has asked for a statement of reasons within 2 weeks after the day the order was made (under section 106 (1) (b))—within 4 weeks after the day the tribunal gives the statement of reasons to the party (under section 106 (1)); or
	(d)	within any further time that the Supreme Court allows.
40	Determined criteria
Section 134
omit
41	New part 10
insert
Part 10	Transitional
137	Occupancy agreements
Part 5A applies in relation to an occupancy dispute that starts on or after the day part 5A commences.
138	Disposal of condition reports held by Territory
	(1)	Copies of reports given to the Territory under section 29 (5) (Condition reports)—
	(a)	are taken not to be records to which the Territory Records Act 2002 applies; and 
	(b)	may be disposed of without complying with the provisions of that Act.
	(2)	This section expires 1 month after the day it commences.
139	Expiry of pt 10
This part expires 1 year after the day it commences.
42	New dictionary
insert
Dictionary
(see s 2)
Note 1	The Legislation Act contains definitions and other provisions relevant to this Act.
Note 2	For example, the Legislation Act, dict, pt 1, defines the following terms:
·	corporation
·	entity
·	exercise
·	functions
·	State
·	under.
energy efficiency rating statement—see the Civil Law (Sale of Residential Property) Act 2003, section 20.
grantor—see section 71A.
lessor—see section 5.
occupancy agreement—see section 71C.
occupancy dispute—see section 71I.
occupancy principles—see section 71E.
occupant—see section 71B.
residential tenancy agreement—see section 6A.
standard occupancy terms means the standard occupancy terms (if any) prescribed under the regulations.
standard residential tenancy terms means the terms mentioned in schedule 1.
tenancy dispute—see section 71H.
tenant—see section 6.

Schedule 1	Amendments of prescribed terms
(see s 3)
[1.1]	Schedule 1 heading
substitute
Schedule 1	Standard residential tenancy terms
(see s 8)
[1.2]	Schedule 1, clause 20 (c)
omit
10 days
substitute
2 weeks
[1.3]	Schedule 1, clause 20 (c)
omit
30 days
substitute
4 weeks
[1.4]	Schedule 1, clause 21 (1)
omit
3 copies
substitute
2 copies
[1.5]	Schedule 1, clause 22 (2)
substitute
	(2)	Within 2 weeks after the day the tenant receives the report, the tenant must return 1 copy of the report to the lessor, signed by the tenant and indicating the tenant’s agreement or disagreement with the report or parts of the report.
[1.6]	Schedule 1, new clause 26 (4)
insert
	(4)	The tenant and lessor may agree that rent is to be paid electronically.
[1.7]	Schedule 1, clause 30
omit
7 days
substitute
1 week
[1.8]	Schedule 1, clause 31 (3)
omit
28 days
substitute
4 weeks
[1.9]	Schedule 1, clause 43 (1)
after
gas
insert
, telephone line
[1.10]	Schedule 1, clause 44
omit
or sewerage
substitute
, sewerage or gas
[1.11]	Schedule 1, clause 54 (1)
substitute
54	(1)	At the start of the tenancy, the lessor must ensure that the premises, including furniture, fittings and appliances (unless excluded from the tenancy agreement), are—
	(a)	fit for habitation; and
	(b)	reasonably clean; and
	(c)	in a reasonable state of repair; and
	(d)	reasonably secure.
	(1A)	An exclusion must be in writing and may, but need not, be included in the tenancy agreement (if in writing).
[1.12]	Schedule 1, clause 54
renumber subclauses when Act next republished under Legislation Act
[1.13]	Schedule 1, clause 66
omit
prescribed terms
substitute
standard residential tenancy terms
[1.14]	Schedule 1, clause 71
omit
21 days
substitute
3 weeks
[1.15]	Schedule 1, clause 79 (1)
omit
7 days
substitute
1 week
[1.16]	Schedule 1, clause 80
omit
21 days
substitute
3 weeks
[1.17]	Schedule 1, clause 82 (1)
omit
7 days
substitute
1 week
[1.18]	Schedule 1, clause 91 (a) and (c)
omit
14 days
substitute
2 weeks
[1.19]	Schedule 1, clause 92 (a)
omit
7 days
substitute
1 week
[1.20]	Schedule 1, clause 92 (b) (i)
omit
8 days
substitute
1 week
[1.21]	Schedule 1, clause 92 (c)
omit
7 days
substitute
1 week
[1.22]	Schedule 1, clause 92 (c)
omit
14 days
substitute
2 weeks
[1.23]	Schedule 1, clause 92 (f)
omit
8 days
substitute
1 week
[1.24]	Schedule 1, clause 93
omit
14 days
substitute
2 weeks
[1.25]	Schedule 1, clause 96 (1) (a) to (d)
substitute
	(a)	4 weeks notice if the lessor genuinely intends to live in the premises;
	(b)	4 weeks notice if the lessor genuinely believes the lessor’s immediate relative intends to live in the premises;
	(c)	4 weeks notice if the lessor genuinely believes an interested person intends to live in the premises;
	(c)	8 weeks notice if the lessor genuinely intends to sell the premises;
	(d)	12 weeks notice if the lessor genuinely intends to reconstruct, renovate or make major repairs to the premises and the reconstruction, renovation or repairs cannot reasonably be carried out with the tenant living in the premises.
[1.26]	Schedule 1, clause 96 (2)
insert
interested person, for a lessor, means a person who is not an immediate relative of the lessor but who has a close family or personal relationship with the lessor and who has a reasonable expectation arising from that relationship that the lessor would provide accommodation for that person.
[1.27]	Schedule 1, clause 98 (2)
omit
14 days
substitute
2 weeks

Schedule 2	Other amendments
(see s 3)
[2.1]	Section 12 (1)
omit
prescribed terms
substitute
standard residential tenancy terms
[2.2]	Section 12 (2)
omit
prescribed term
substitute
standard residential tenancy term
[2.3]	Section 19 (2)
omit
21 days
substitute
3 weeks
[2.4]	Section 23 (2)
substitute
	(2)	In this section:
prescribed period means the period starting on the day the lessor receives the bond and ending—
	(a)	2 weeks later; or
	(b)	if another period is prescribed under the regulations—the day after the end of that period.
[2.5]	Section 29 (3)
omit
7 working days
substitute
2 weeks
[2.6]	Section 34 (1) (b)
omit
10 working days
substitute
2 weeks
[2.7]	Section 35 (1)
omit
14 working days
substitute
2 weeks
[2.8]	Section 43 heading
substitute
43	Breach of standard residential tenancy terms
[2.9]	Section 43 (1)
omit
prescribed terms
substitute
standard residential tenancy terms
[2.10]	Section 47 heading
substitute
47	No breach of standard residential tenancy terms
[2.11]	Section 47 (1) (a)
omit
prescribed terms
substitute
standard residential tenancy terms
[2.12]	Section 47 (2)
omit
21 days
substitute
3 weeks
[2.13]	Section 48 heading
substitute
48	Certain breaches of standard residential tenancy terms
[2.14]	Section 48 (1)
omit
prescribed terms
substitute
standard residential tenancy terms
[2.15]	Section 48 (2) (b)
omit
21 days
substitute
3 weeks
[2.16]	Section 49 (4)
omit
21 days
substitute
3 weeks
[2.17]	Section 54 (1) (a)
omit
prescribed terms
substitute
standard residential tenancy terms
[2.18]	Section 54 (2) (c)
omit
21 days
substitute
3 weeks
[2.19]	Section 56
omit
30 days
substitute
4 weeks
[2.20]	Section 59 (2)
omit
prescribed terms
substitute
standard residential tenancy terms
[2.21]	Section 65 (1)
omit
14 days
substitute
2 weeks
[2.22]	Section 68 (1)
omit
prescribed terms
substitute
standard residential tenancy terms
[2.23]	Section 73 (2) (c)
omit
14 days
substitute
2 weeks
[2.24]	Section 74
after
tenancy dispute
insert
or occupancy dispute
[2.25]	Section 75
after
tenancy dispute
insert
or occupancy dispute
[2.26]	Section 75 (5) (b)
omit
7 days
substitute
1 week
[2.27]	Section 76
after
tenancy dispute
insert
or occupancy dispute
[2.28]	Section 77 (a)
after
tenancy disputes
insert
and occupancy disputes
[2.29]	Section 77 (a)
omit
28 days
substitute
4 weeks
[2.30]	Section 77 (b)
after
tenancy dispute
insert
or occupancy dispute
[2.31]	Section 81 (1) (a)
after
tenancy dispute
insert
or occupancy dispute
[2.32]	Sections 84 and 85 etc
after
tenancy dispute
insert
or occupancy dispute
in
·	sections 84 and 85
·	sections 87 and 88
·	sections 91 and 92
[2.33]	Section 101
omit
dispute
substitute
tenancy dispute or occupancy dispute
[2.34]	Section 103 (2) and (3)
omit
14 days
substitute
2 weeks
[2.35]	Section 104
after
tenancy dispute
insert
or occupancy dispute
[2.36]	Section 104 (a), (b) and (d)
after
residential tenancy agreement
insert
or occupancy agreement
[2.37]	Section 104 (g)
omit
prescribed terms
substitute
standard residential tenancy terms or standard occupancy terms
[2.38]	Section 104 (j)
after
residential tenancy agreement
insert
or occupancy agreement
[2.39]	Section 106 (1) (b)
omit
14 days
substitute
2 weeks
[2.40]	Section 115 (1)
omit
prescribed terms
substitute
standard residential tenancy terms or standard occupancy terms
[2.41]	Section 115 (4) (a)
after
tenancy dispute
insert
or occupancy dispute
[2.42]	Section 116 (7) (a)
omit
prescribed terms
substitute
standard residential tenancy terms or standard occupancy terms
[2.43]	Section 117 (1) (b)
omit
residential tenancy disputes
substitute
tenancy disputes and occupancy disputes
[2.44]	Section 117 (1) (c)
after
tenancy disputes
insert
and occupancy disputes
[2.45]	Section 128 (1)
omit
prescribed terms
substitute
standard residential tenancy terms

Endnotes
1	Presentation speech
	Presentation speech made in the Legislative Assembly on	2004.
2	Notification
	Notified under the Legislation Act on	2004.
3	Republications of amended laws
	For the latest republication of amended laws, see www.legislation.act.gov.au.

© Australian Capital Territory 2004