Navigating Rooming & Boarding Houses in ACT

If you're renting a room in a boarding or rooming house in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), it's essential to know your rights and responsibilities. This guide will walk you through the steps to manage common issues like rent increases, eviction, and repairs.

Understanding Rooming and Boarding Houses

Rooming and boarding houses in the ACT are shared accommodation settings where multiple residents lease individual rooms but share facilities. Tenants in these arrangements have specific rights under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997.

Common Issues in Rooming & Boarding Houses

• Rent Increases: Must be in line with the Residential Tenancies Act 1997.
• Evictions: Requires proper notice and adherence to local law.
• Maintenance: Landlords must ensure premises are habitable.

Handling Rent Increases

Rent can only be increased if there's a term in the agreement allowing it. Landlords must provide at least eight weeks' notice in writing.

Dealing with Evictions

If facing eviction, ensure that you receive a valid notice as stipulated in the Act. If the eviction seems unfair, you may apply to the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) for a review.

Always keep written records of all communications with your landlord.

Requesting Repairs

Landlords are required to keep the property in a habitable state. Use the appropriate form to request repairs officially.

• Form U: Use to notify of urgent repairs. Find it on the ACT Legislation Register.

FAQ

1. What rights do I have in a boarding house?In the ACT, you have the right to a safe and habitable living environment and protection from unfair eviction under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997.
2. How can I dispute a rent increase?You can negotiate directly with your landlord or apply for a review at the ACAT if the increase is unfair.
3. What should I do if repairs are not made?If requests for repairs are ignored, contact the ACT Tenants' Union for advice on further action.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT)
• ACT Tenants' Union
• ACT Government Housing and Community Services

---

1. ¹Residential Tenancies Act 1997, ACT
2. ²ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT)
3. ³ACT Tenants' Union

Categories

General Tenant Rights & Protections Tenancy Agreements & Renewals Rent, Bond & Holding Deposits Moving In & Condition Reports Ending a Tenancy & Moving Out Repairs, Maintenance & Urgent Issues Minimum Standards & Habitability Evictions & Breach Notices Co-Tenancies, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Equal Housing Access Disability Access & Reasonable Adjustments Utilities, Water & Internet Billing Public, Community & Social Housing Rent Increases & Rent Controls Privacy & Landlord Entry Rules Locks, Keys & Security Obligations Resolving Disputes & Tribunal Processes Harassment, Threats & Landlord Misconduct Boarding Houses, Rooming Houses & Lodgers Caravan Parks & Residential Parks Bond Refunds & Claims Notice Periods & Tenancy Termination Entry Condition Breaches & Compensation Tenant Advocacy & Legal Aid