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A property manager discovers that a residential tenancy agreement contains a clause stating 'tenant waives all rights to dispute bond deductions.' What is the legal status of this clause?

Correct Answer

C) Void, because a tenancy agreement cannot exclude the tenant's statutory rights.

Clauses that attempt to exclude or limit tenants' statutory rights under residential tenancy legislation are void and unenforceable. Tenants cannot waive their right to dispute bond claims, as this protection is fundamental to the legislative framework and cannot be contracted out of.

Answer Options
A
Valid and enforceable, because both parties agreed to it in writing.
B
Valid only if the tenant received independent legal advice before signing.
C
Void, because a tenancy agreement cannot exclude the tenant's statutory rights.
D
Valid, but limited to small bond deductions below an amount the parties have agreed.

Why This Is the Correct Answer

Residential tenancy laws apply despite any term to the contrary. A clause that tries to remove the tenant's right to dispute a bond claim is void, and the tenant can still have the claim decided by the tribunal.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

residential tenancy legislationvoid clausesbond deductionsstatutory rightsconsumer protection
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