Your Guide to Tenants in Caravan & Residential Parks, ACT

If you're residing in a caravan park or seeking long-stay rental options in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), understanding your rights and responsibilities is crucial. The Residential Tenancies Act 1997 offers protections for tenants, ensuring fair treatment and clear guidelines for resolving disputes.

Understanding Your Lease in ACT

When renting in a caravan park or long-stay accommodation, it's essential to have a written tenancy agreement. This document outlines your rights and the landlord's obligations, including details about rent, maintenance, and duration of stay.

Key Elements of a Tenancy Agreement

• Identification of Parties: Ensure both you and the landlord are clearly identified in the agreement.
• Terms and Conditions: Look for details about rent payments, utility responsibilities, and security deposits.
• Duration: Understand whether your lease is for a fixed term or periodic tenancy.

For comprehensive details, refer to the Residential Tenancies Act 1997.

Rent Increases and Disputes

Rent increases are often a concern for tenants. In the ACT, landlords must provide written notice of any increase, typically at least 8 weeks prior. You have the right to dispute an unreasonable rent increase through the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT).

Dispute Resolution through ACAT

If disagreements arise, you can seek a resolution through ACAT. They handle issues related to rent disputes, repair requests, and eviction matters. To start a claim, submit the Application for Resolution of Tenancy Dispute form available at ACAT's official website.

Maintaining Your Rental

Maintenance of the property is a shared responsibility. Tenants should address minor repairs, while landlords are required to handle significant or structural issues.

For more information on how to handle repair issues, you might find our section on resolving repair issues helpful.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

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

• Legal Aid ACT - Free legal services for eligible tenants
• Tenants' Union ACT - Provides guidance and support
• ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) - Handles rental disputes and applications

---

1. What should I do if my landlord increases the rent?Contact them in writing to negotiate if you believe the increase is unreasonable. You can dispute the increase through the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT).
2. How can I apply for a rental bond refund?After the end of your lease, fill out the Rental Bond Refund application available online through the ACT Revenue Office.
3. What are my rights if the property needs urgent repairs?Inform your landlord immediately. If they do not address the issue promptly, you can report it to ACAT for resolution.

1. How to handle a rent increase notice
   1. Review the notice to ensure it complies with the 8-week notification rule.
   2. Contact your landlord to discuss the increase if you believe it is unreasonable.
   3. If necessary, prepare an application to dispute the increase with ACAT.

Key takeaways include understanding your agreement, knowing how to dispute issues, and ensuring proper maintenance of your rental property. Always keep records of communications and seek legal advice if necessary.

---

1. Residential Tenancies Act 1997: ACT Legislation Register
2. Fair Trading Act 1987 (Cth): Australian Government Legislation
3. ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT): ACAT Official Website

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