Step-by-Step Help With Rooming & Boarding Houses

Renting in a rooming or boarding house in New South Wales presents unique challenges, but with the right guidance, you can navigate them smoothly. Whether you're dealing with rental agreements, eviction notices, or repair issues, staying informed of your rights and obligations is essential.

Understanding Rooming & Boarding Houses in NSW

Rooming and boarding houses provide accommodation where residents rent rooms and share common facilities like a kitchen or bathroom. In NSW, these establishments are governed by parts of the Residential Tenancies Act 2010, ensuring tenant rights are protected.

Your Rights as a Tenant

• Right to a safe and habitable environment.
• Access to basic facilities like water and electricity.
• Right to reasonable privacy and quiet enjoyment of your rented space.

If you're facing issues related to these rights, taking the appropriate steps can help resolve the situation.

Steps to Address Common Issues

Responding to Rent Increases

If you receive a notice for a rent increase, ensure it's reasonable and follows the legal requirements. Always review the section on rent increases in the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 for guidance.

1. Check the Notice Details: Verify the notice period and percentage of increase.
2. Negotiate or Dispute: Contact your landlord if you believe the increase is unjustified.
3. File a Complaint: If needed, escalate the matter to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT).

Handling Eviction Notices

If you receive an eviction notice, it's crucial to act promptly. Under the Residential Tenancies Act 2010, specific procedures must be followed.

1. Review the Notice: Confirm it complies with legal requirements.
2. Seek Clarification: Contact your landlord for further details if needed.
3. Apply to NCAT: If you disagree with the eviction, apply for a hearing at NCAT.

Requesting Repairs

Living conditions should be up to standard. For necessary repairs:

1. Inform Your Landlord: Notify them in writing about the needed repairs.
2. Use Form NCAT 1: If repairs are not made, lodge a complaint using Form NCAT 1.

1. What forms do I need for NCAT?

   You'll need Form NCAT 1 for general applications and Form NCAT 2 for tenancy claims. These can be accessed via the NCAT website.

2. How do I address unfair eviction?

   If you feel the eviction is unjust, apply to NCAT for a review. Refer to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal for steps on filing a claim.

3. Can rent be increased without notice?

   No, the landlord must provide adequate notice before increasing rent, as outlined in the Residential Tenancies Act 2010.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

If you require additional help, consider reaching out to these resources:

• NSW Fair Trading - Offers advice and disputes resolution services
• Tenants' Union of NSW - Provides support to renters across NSW
• NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) - Handles disputes related to tenancy issues

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• The Residential Tenancies Act 2010 governs tenant rights in NSW¹
• NCAT manages tenancy disputes and offers a platform for claims²
• Rent increases and evictions must follow legal procedures to ensure fairness³

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