Outdated legislation governing the way notices are issued under the Residential Tenancies Act is in line for a revamp in coming months.

 

The Victorian legislation requiring a notice of entry be given to tenants by post is due to be amended to allow for notices to be sent electronically.

 

REIV CEO Enzo Raimondo said that the important changes, currently before Parliament, would be beneficial to all stakeholders.

 

“The current legislation is no longer relevant. A tenant may now wait up to a week to receive a notice in the post, which is redundant and impractical,” Mr Raimondo said.

 

“The proposed changes, which would allow notices of entry to be issued via email, will enable greater communication between stakeholders.

 

“Timely and effective communication between tenants, property managers and landlords will go a long way towards improving these important relationships.”

 

Given changes to Australia Post’s mail service earlier this year - which has added considerably to postal delivery times - the REIV believes electronic delivery of notices will improve communication between key stakeholders.

 

“The change is a positive one for all parties, including tenants. An email allows for a ‘read receipt’ to ensure that the notification is received.

 

“With a posted letter, it is far more difficult to know whether it has reached its intended destination,” he said. “The changes are long overdue and the Victorian Government’s move to amend the legislation is definitely welcomed by industry.”