A re-elected Rockliff Liberal Government will unlock more affordable rentals for Tasmanians and change the laws to allow pets in rentals.

“Our Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future will deliver action on housing right now,” Premier Jeremy Rockliff said.

“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.

“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.”

Minister for Consumer Affairs, Madeleine Ogilvie, said these were sensible and impactful changes that would help renters across Tasmania.

“There are opportunities and challenges that have come from the strong economy that the Rockliff Liberal Government has delivered for Tasmania,” Minister Ogilvie said.

“We understand that one of those challenges is being able to find an affordable rental in a market that has massive demand.

“We’re taking action to address the supply side and while pressure is easing on the rental market we know that more needs to be done.

“Only a re-elected Majority Liberal Government and our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future will immediately help renters across Tasmania.”

The cost of this policy will be $3.875 million per year for two years.