A Guide to Rooming & Boarding Houses in NSW

Renting in New South Wales (NSW) comes with unique challenges and opportunities, especially if you're living in rooming or boarding houses. Understanding your rights and responsibilities is crucial to ensure a fair and smooth renting experience in these types of accommodations.

Understanding Rooming and Boarding Houses

Rooming houses are properties where one or more rooms are available for rent individually, while boarding houses typically offer accommodation with meals. In NSW, the Residential Tenancies Act 2010^[1] governs tenants in boarding houses where occupancy is for more than 28 days.

Your Rights as a Tenant

• Security: You have the right to a secure and safe environment.
• Privacy: The property manager must respect your privacy, with required notice before entry.
• Repairs: You're entitled to prompt repairs and maintenance for any issues.

Eviction Procedures

In a rooming or boarding house, eviction must follow specific procedures. If you receive a notice, it must comply with NSW legislation^[2].

Rent Increases and Disputes

Rent increases should be reasonable and follow the procedures outlined in your rental agreement and the Fair Trading Act 1987 (Cth)^[3]. You can challenge unfair increases by applying to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

Applications and Forms

Different forms serve distinct purposes in the rental process:

• Residential Tenancy Agreement: Use this form to formalize a rental agreement.
• Condition Report: Document the property's condition at both the start and end of your tenancy.
• Notice to Terminate: Required to lawfully end a tenancy. Find more details and obtain forms from NSW Fair Trading.^[4]

1. What rights do I have when living in a rooming house? As a tenant, you enjoy security, privacy, and access to timely repairs as per the Residential Tenancies Act 2010^[1].
2. How can I seek support if I receive an eviction notice? Contact your local Tenant Advice and Advocacy Services or apply to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal for assistance.
3. Can my landlord increase my rent anytime? No, rent increases must comply with specific guidelines and can be contested through NSW Fair Trading.

1. How to respond to an eviction notice in NSW
   1. Read the notice carefully to understand the reasons for eviction.
   2. Check if the notice complies with the Residential Tenancies Act 2010^[1].
   3. Seek advice from legal experts or tenant advisory services.
   4. If necessary, apply to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal to dispute the eviction.

Key Takeaways for Renters

• Understand your rights and responsibilities under the NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010.
• Know the proper channels to contest rent increases and eviction notices.
• Use official forms and resources to protect your rights.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

If you need assistance, reach out to these NSW resources:

• Tenants' Union of NSW - Support and advocacy for tenants.
• Law Access NSW - Legal information and referrals.
• NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal - Dispute resolution and applications.

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^[1] Residential Tenancies Act 2010

^[2] NSW legislation website

^[3] Fair Trading Act 1987 (Cth)

^[4] NSW Fair Trading

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