Tasmanian Greens MPs

Amendment

In proposed Section 24A, to insert the following new subsections after subsection (5):

“(6) In determining the details of a schedule of a rent arrears payment order under subsection (5)(b), and any conditions to which the order is subject under subsection (5)(c), the Commissioner is to –

Have regard to the financial position of the owner; and Have regard to, if the tenant attempted to enter negotiations with the owner to have the rent payable reduced while they were experiencing financial hardship, whether the owner acted reasonably and in good faith during those negotiations; and Have regard to whether the rent is reasonable, with regard to the general level of rents for comparable residential premises in the locality or a similar locality; and If at all possible, avoid placing the tenant in rental stress; and Any other relevant matter.

(7)  For the purposes of subsection (6) rental stress is defined as circumstances in which a residential tenant is not reasonably able to afford basic necessities of life other than rent including but not limited to food, health care and education.

(8)  For the purposes of section 24A(1), a reference to a rent arrears payment order also includes the varying of a rent arrears payment order.”