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home H & garden S
CHANGES IN RENTING… There are changes to the Residential Tenancies Act that are expected to be introduced into the Victorian Parliament in 2018. Photo: Supplied.
Residential tenancies legislation
set for an overhaul WITH more than 500,000 rental properties in Victoria, a significant proportion of the state’s population will be impacted by changes to the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA).
E a rl i e r t h i s ye a r, t h e A n d r e w s Government released a comprehensive options paper looking at significant reform of the RTA, which governs the rights and responsibilities of both tenants and landlords in the private rental market in relation to rent, bonds, dispute resolution and security of tenure. The options paper – Heading for Home - follows more than a year of public consultation, seven issues papers and numerous stakeholder meetings as part of the Government’s Fairer, Safer Housing initiative. Rea l E st ate I nst it ute of Vic toria (REIV) president, Joseph Walton said, “With landlords and property managers accounting for around 70 percent of disputes brought before the Victorian Civil Page 24 – The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1346 Wednesday, March 22, 2017
and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), the R EI V has called for significant improvements to the dispute resolution process. This includes greater consistency, internal appeals and enforcement of VCAT orders. “T he R E I V also suppor ts the recognition and enforcement of additional contract terms, including ‘no pets’ clauses. The institute strongly believes pets should only be permitted in rental properties by agreement between landlords and tenants. “Following consultation, the government will consider a comprehensive refor m p ac k a ge a nd d e velop ne w legislation and regulations, which is expected to be introduced into the Victorian Parliament in 2018.”
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Autumn lawn care tips
home & garden
for the homeowner AS the welcome temperature changes this autumn, so too should your lawn care.
Even self-proclaimed turf masters can be thrown by the onset of autumn, your lawn’s growth rate slows, and patches of brittle or limp looking grass can appear. Turf Australia president, Ross Boyle said that pH imbalances in soil can often be blamed for unhealthy looking turf, and why autumn is the ideal time to identify and correct this issue.
“Soil pH levels that are too acidic or too alkaline impair how well your turf absorbs vital nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Ideally your soil should sit between 6 and 8 on the pH scale. “Autumn is perfect for testing soil pH because any fertiliser or lime added to correct an imbalance works best if allowed to decompose through winter,” Ross said. Fortunately, testing soil pH is quick and easy, and gives you the answers you need to fix turf that may need some invigoration.
Your step-by-step guide to testing the pH of your soil: 2. GRAB YOUR 3. GET TESTING 1. GEAR UP You can pick up a soil pH Squeeze a few drops of the SAMPLES testing kit (which includes a liquid pH indicator, a white powder and a pH colour chart) for about $20 from your local turf farmer, hardware store or nursery. You will also need a teaspoon and a clean white surface like a spare tile or old plate.
Pick two or three spots across the lawn to obtain your soil samples from. Choose a patch that appears to be thriving, and another that looks a little worse for wear – it could be a pH imbalance causing distress. Dig out about a teaspoon of soil from just under the surface and place on your tile or plate.
liquid pH indicator on each soil sample, followed by a sprinkle of the powder. Wait about 30 seconds and you will see the powder start to change colour. Grab your pH chart and match the colours to the scale.
4. ANALYSE RESULTS AND TAKE ACTION Anywhere between 6-8 on the scale is perfect – but if your soil is on the acidic side, you need to add some dolomite lime. Or if your soil is more alkaline, applying the patch with compost or manure will bring the pH back to normal. You should re-test your soil every six months to ensure the ongoing health of your turf.
KEEP YOUR LAWN HEALTHY… With autumn now upon us, here are some tips to help keep your lawn healthy. Photo: Supplied.
The Adviser. Australia No. 1:1346 Wednesday, March 22, 2017 – Page 25