The new regulations increase the renter’s ability to:
Spend up to $2500 on urgent repairs or re-placing and essential or safety items without reference to the rental provider
Make minor modifications to the property without reference to the rental provider
The definition of urgent works has been broadened and includes any work necessary to repair or remedy:
A failure or breakdown of a cooling appliance or service provided by the rental provider
A failure or breakdown of any safety related devices, including a smoke alarm or pool fence
Any fault or damage that makes the property unsafe or insecure, including a pest infestation or the presence of mould or damp caused by or related to the building structure.
The trap here for renters (and Owners Corporations) is many Owners Corporations Rules have Design Guidelines that regulate:
The colour of the curtain backing that can be seen from the common property
The colour and style of any security screens or fly screen doors
Non-permanent window film for insulation
The location of private equipment on common property
This would be an opportunity for an Owners Corporation to create a renter’s guide for rental providers to attach to their lease (another schedule 2.2 opportunity).