Rent Increases & Rent Control in ACT

As a renter in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), understanding your rights regarding rent increases is crucial to maintaining financial stability and ensuring fair rental practices. The Residential Tenancies Act 1997 regulates how and when your rent can be increased, helping to keep tenant rights protected in ACT.

Understanding Rent Increases in ACT

In the ACT, landlords can increase rent, but they must follow specific rules. Typically, your landlord needs to provide a written notice of rent increase at least eight weeks in advance. It’s essential to know that your rent cannot be increased more than once every 12 months, offering some protection against frequent changes.

How Rent Increases Are Notified

If you receive a rent increase notice, it should include the new rental amount, the method of calculation, and the date when the new rent will be effective. This ensures transparency and allows tenants to plan their finances accordingly.

Challenging a Rent Increase

If you believe a rent increase is unreasonable or doesn't comply with the Residential Tenancies Act 1997, you have the right to dispute it. You can apply to the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) to challenge the increase. If successful, the tribunal may order a different rent amount or rule the increase invalid.

When to Use Form 6

Form 6 is used to apply to ACAT regarding a dispute about rent increase. For instance, if you’ve received a rent hike notice that seems excessive, you can fill out Form 6 to request a tribunal hearing. Ensure your application is well-documented and submitted promptly to boost your chances of a favorable outcome.

You can access Form 6 from ACAT.

FAQs

1. Can my rent be increased more frequently than once a year? No, landlords can only increase rent once every 12 months under the ACT legislation.
2. What if my landlord didn’t provide enough notice for a rent increase? In this case, you can dispute the increase at the ACAT, as they did not comply with the required notice period.
3. Is there a cap on how much the rent can be increased? Currently, there is no specific cap, but the increase must be deemed reasonable and in line with market trends.
4. How can I access forms for rent increase disputes? You can download the necessary forms from the ACAT website.
5. What should I do if I can’t afford the increased rent? Communicate with your landlord to negotiate possible terms or seek advice from local tenancy services.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

If you need assistance or advice, consider reaching out to these resources:

• Tenants' Advice Service ACT - Offers free legal advice and support for renters.
• ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) - For lodging disputes and seeking legal resolutions to tenancy issues.

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