Handling Rooming & Boarding House Disputes in ACT

Disputes in rooming and boarding houses can be a challenging experience for any renter in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Navigating issues such as rent increases, eviction notices, or necessary repairs requires a clear understanding of your rights and responsibilities. This guide aims to provide practical advice and steps to help you handle these disputes effectively, ensuring your rights are protected under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997.

Understanding Your Rights in ACT Rooming & Boarding Houses

As a renter, you have certain rights and obligations under the ACT's tenancy laws. Familiarizing yourself with these can be the first step in resolving disputes:

• Residential Tenancies Act 1997: This is the main legislation that outlines both tenant and landlord responsibilities in the ACT.
• Fair trading principles apply to rental agreements, ensuring fairness in transactions.

Common Disputes in Rooming & Boarding Houses

In rooming and boarding houses, common disputes often include:

• Rent Increases: Tenants should receive notice and justification for any rent increase.
• Eviction Notices: Landlords must follow specific procedures before evicting a tenant.
• Repair Requests: Tenants have the right to request repairs, which landlords must address within a reasonable timeframe.

Steps to Resolve Disputes

If you face a dispute, consider these steps to address it:

Prepare all documentation, such as rental agreements, receipts, and communication records with the landlord before initiating any formal process.

Action Steps for Dispute Resolution

To formally address disputes, you may need to utilize the following forms and processes:

• Request for Repairs Form: Use this form to officially request necessary repairs from your landlord. Refer to the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) for more details.
• Eviction Notice Review: If served with an eviction notice, review the notice for compliance with relevant legal requirements and seek assistance if necessary.

Resources for ACT Renters

If an amicable resolution isn't possible, ACT renters can escalate their dispute to ACAT, the body responsible for resolving tenancy disputes. More details are available on the ACAT website.

1. What should I do if my landlord doesn't respond to repair requests? Consider sending a formal written request and keep a record of all correspondence. If unanswered, you can approach ACAT for further assistance.
2. How long must a landlord give notice for a rent increase? In the ACT, landlords must provide at least eight weeks' notice for rent increases.
3. Where can I find help if I am facing eviction? Reach out to community legal centres or accommodation support services for guidance and support in your area.

1. How to file a repair request in ACT
   1. Step 1: Document the issue. Take photos and write a detailed description of the repair needed.
   2. Step 2: Fill out the Request for Repairs Form. Complete the form with all necessary details and submit it to your landlord.
   3. Step 3: Follow up. Check in with your landlord after submitting the request and keep records of all communications.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

If you're dealing with rental issues, several resources are available to help you:

• Care Inc. Financial Counselling Service offers legal advice and support.
• A guide on ACAT on how to file a complaint for tenancy disputes.

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1. Fair Trading Act 1987 (Cth), https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2019C00022

2. Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (ACT), https://www.legislation.act.gov.au/View/a/1997-84/current/HTML/1997-84.html

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