RTA hitting Parliament with key changes

National controversially and unexpectedly brought forward the introduction of changes to the  RTA earlier this year, stating that Labour's previous bill was "well intentioned", but that urgent work was needed.

The key differences between the previous bill and the one currently in Parliament are:

• Omission of provisions that would have prohibited the charging of letting fees
• Omission of tenant liability limited to four weeks' rent
  
• Ommission of advocates for the Tenancy Tribunal
  
• Inclusions of new provisions that clarify the status of the tenancy on death of the sole tenant and;terminating a tenancy where the tenant permits an assault
  
• Landlords are required to disclose premises previously contaminated by drugs.

The bill is due to have its first reading some time next week and there will be a chance for submissions as part of the select committee process.