Hot on the heels of announcing it plans to introduce a levy on short-stay accommodation to help first home buyers, the state government says it’s now looking to change laws to allow pets in rentals.
“Yesterday, I announced our Stamp Out Stamp Duty policy that will help an extra 1,500 Tasmanians buy their first home every year, funded largely by the new short stay levy,” Premier Jeremy Rockliff said.
“Today, I am pleased to announce three new initiatives that will directly and immediately help renters across Tasmania.
“First, we will change the laws to allow renters to have a pet. Renters shouldn’t have to choose between having a place to live, and the pet they love.
“We will immediately amend the Residential Tenancy Act to ensure Tasmanian renters can have their treasured family pet living with them, as a right.
“Second, we will boost our Private Rental Incentive Scheme to unlock an additional 200 rentals that have rents capped at between 25 and 30 per cent below median rates.
“Currently, we offer a cash incentive up to $200 a week and guaranteed rental income for two years to 300 property owners, and now we’ll incentivise 500 property owners.
“Third, we will be offering 100 per cent land tax exemptions for property owners who either build-for-rent or switch a short stay home to rent.
“Those who build to rent will be free of land tax for three years, which could save them $6,000, while those who switch a short stay to rent won’t pay land tax for a year and they will save $2,000.
“We know it’s tough for many Tasmanians to secure a rental property in the current market, and our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania will take action right now on rentals.
“We will ensure that locals can both find and afford a rental in their home state so they can stay, learn, earn and raise a family right here.”
The cost of this policy will be $3.875 million per year for two years.
