The Residential Tenancies Act 1986 (RTA) sets out the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants. Changes to the RTA have been introduced through the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024 which became law on 17 December 2024.

The changes are broad and will be implemented in phases. It is important to be aware of all aspects of each of these changes to the law and their commencement dates before taking any related action.

17 December 2024 – changes that relate to bond lodgements take effect immediately. Signatures are no longer required when lodging or topping up a bond.  

30 January 2025 – changes to tenancy terminations take effect, introducing a 90-day notice period for landlords wishing to end a periodic tenancy without a specific reason. This reduces to 42 days in certain circumstances, while tenants will be able to end a periodic tenancy with 21 days’ notice at any time.

20 March 2025 – technical changes to the RTA take effect. The changes include modernising how notices and documents are given, clarifying that a clause in a tenancy agreement prohibiting smoking indoors is enforceable, and allowing an email address to be used as an address for service in Tenancy Tribunal applications.  

Date set by Order in Council – provisions allowing for pet bonds and changes to pet consent rules will take effect on the date set by Order in Council, at the Government’s discretion.