Common Rent and Bond Questions in Tasmania

Renting a home in Tasmania can come with numerous questions about rights and responsibilities, especially regarding rent, bond, and holding deposits. Whether you're dealing with rent increases, understanding bond processes, or questioning the legitimacy of a holding deposit, it's crucial to know your rights under the Residential Tenancy Act 1997.

Understanding Rent and Rent Increases

As a renter in Tasmania, understanding how rent increases work is essential. Landlords can increase rent, but they must follow specific guidelines:

• Notice for Increase: Landlords must provide at least 60 days' written notice of a rent increase.
• Frequency: Rent can be increased only once every 12 months.
• Disputing an Increase: If you feel the increase is unreasonable, you can apply to the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (TASCAT) to dispute it.

Bond and Holding Deposits

When moving into a new rental, bonds and holding deposits are common. Here's what you need to know:

Bond Details

• Maximum Bond: The bond cannot exceed four weeks’ rent.
• Lodgement: The bond must be lodged with the Rental Deposit Authority using the official Rental Deposit Authority Deposit Form.
• Bond Return: Upon moving out, you can claim your bond back, assuming there are no disputes. Use the Rental Deposit Authority Claim Form for this process.

Holding Deposits

• Purpose: A holding deposit secures the rental property before moving in.
• Refunds: If the agreement doesn't proceed, the holding deposit should be refunded unless otherwise agreed in writing.

FAQ Section

1. How often can rent be increased in Tasmania? Rent can be increased once every 12 months with 60 days' written notice.
2. What is the maximum bond amount I can be charged? The maximum bond is four weeks’ rent.
3. Can a holding deposit be refunded? Yes, it should be refunded if the agreement does not proceed unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Key Takeaways

• Rent increases require 60 days' notice and can occur annually.
• Bonds should not exceed four weeks' rent and must be lodged with the Rental Deposit Authority.
• Holding deposits are refundable under certain conditions.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

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

• CBOS – Consumer, Building and Occupational Services for tenancy advice and dispute resolution.
• Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (TASCAT) for disputes over rental agreements, including rent increases and bond claims.
• Legal Aid Tasmania for free legal advice and assistance.

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1. ¹ Residential Tenancy Act 1997 (Tas). Retrieved from legislation.tas.gov.au.
2. ² CBOS. About Rental Bonds. Retrieved from cbos.tas.gov.au.
3. ³ Tasmania's Residential Tenancy Commissioner. Rent Increases FAQ. Retrieved from cbos.tas.gov.au.

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