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The Western Australian government has launched a new service that aims to help tenants and landlords resolve COVID-19 tenancy issues.
This week, the McGowan government announced that it had created a free conciliation service to assist renters and landlords reach agreement about coronavirus-related tenancy disputes without having to go to court.
According to a statement, the aim of the Residential Tenancies Mandatory Conciliation Service (RTMCS) is for all sides to reach a fair and achievable solution through informal discussion. Unlike in court where a decision is imposed, mandatory conciliation encourages renters and landlords to work together to come up with arrangements that suit everyone.
“It’s a relaxed environment and gives people the power to choose the outcome in a non-adversarial setting,” RTMCS general manager Trish Blake said.
“If you are involved in a dispute being conciliated by the service, you must take part in the process. This means you have to at least talk to the conciliator and be involved in a discussion with your landlord or tenant. The conciliator will be flexible to ensure you have every reasonable opportunity to participate and have your issues heard.”
A statement released by Consumer Protection noted: “Consumer Protection conciliators are impartial and have extensive experience in dealing with tenancy disputes. If parties to a conciliation do not participate, they may be fined.
“The mandatory conciliation scheme complements the introduction of a six-month moratorium on evictions and rent increases.
“The emergency residential tenancy laws aim to provide some certainty during these uncertain times for those in private and public housing, residential long-stay parks, as well as boarders and lodgers.”
Applications for conciliation are via submissions located on the Western Australian government’s official website.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Emma Ryan
Emma Ryan is the deputy head of editorial at Momentum Media.
Emma has worked for Momentum Media since 2015, and has since been responsible for breaking some of the biggest stories in corporate Australia, including across the legal, mortgages, real estate and wealth industries. In addition, Emma has launched several additional sub-brands and events, driven by a passion to deliver quality and timely content to audiences through multiple platforms.
Email Emma on: Emma.Ryan@momentummedia.
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