Change is coming. Again.

The next batch of Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) amendments takes effect on 20 March 2025, with a mix of practical tweaks, long-overdue clarifications, and some eyebrow-raising fine print. If you’re a landlord, property manager, or investor, now’s the time to get ahead of the changes so you’re not caught off guard later.

Let’s break it down—what’s new, what’s important, and what you actually need to do.

No-Smoking Clauses Just Got More Bite

If you’ve ever had a tenant push back on a no-smoking clause, this change is for you. From 20 March, tenancy agreements that explicitly ban the use of smoked tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, pipes) indoors will be enforceable in the Tenancy Tribunal.

✅ What’s allowed? You can still include clauses restricting the use of:
Vapes and other smokeless tobacco products
Medicinal marijuana
Smoked tobacco products outdoors
❗ But there’s a catch: Any restrictions beyond banning indoor smoked tobacco...