Dealing with Rental Discrimination in Tasmania

Experiencing discrimination during your rental journey in Tasmania can be distressing. Understanding your rights and knowing how to address such issues is crucial for a fair and equitable renting experience.

Understanding Rental Discrimination

Rental discrimination occurs when a landlord or property manager treats someone unfairly based on attributes like race, gender, disability, or age. In Australia, it's illegal under the Fair Trading Act 1987 (Cth) and state laws, including the Residential Tenancy Act 1997 in Tasmania.

Identifying Discrimination

Discrimination can manifest in various forms, such as:

• Refusing to rent a property to certain groups of people.
• Offering different terms or conditions based on personal attributes.
• Harassment or unfavorable treatment during tenancy.

Steps to Handle Discrimination

If you believe you're facing discrimination in a rental situation, here's what you can do:

1. Document Everything: Keep a record of all communications and instances of discrimination. This includes emails, messages, and notes from phone calls.
2. Communicate with the Landlord: Address your concerns directly with the landlord or property manager. This can often resolve misunderstandings or disputes.
3. File a Formal Complaint: If direct communication fails, you can submit a complaint to Equal Opportunity Tasmania. They provide assistance and guidance for discrimination cases.
4. Seek Legal Advice: Contact a legal aid service or community legal centre for advice and representation if needed.

Lodging a Complaint

Submitting a complaint to Equal Opportunity Tasmania involves filling out a complaint form, which can be found on their official website. This process is designed to address disputes effectively and offer resolutions.

Tip: Always approach the situation calmly and gather as much evidence as possible to support your claim.

Legal Framework

Understanding the legal protections for renters in Tasmania is vital. The Residential Tenancy Act 1997 outlines tenants’ rights and responsibilities, ensuring fair treatment and remedies for discrimination in rental housing.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

If you require assistance, contact these organizations for support:

• Equal Opportunity Tasmania - For lodging discrimination complaints.
• Legal Aid Tasmania - Offers legal advice and assistance.
• Tasmania Civil and Administrative Tribunal (TASCAT) - For resolving tenancy disputes.

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1. What should I do if my landlord discriminates against me in Tasmania? Document all interactions and attempt to resolve the issue by discussing it with your landlord. If the issue persists, file a complaint with Equal Opportunity Tasmania and seek legal advice.
2. Which agency handles discrimination complaints in Tasmania? Equal Opportunity Tasmania deals with discrimination complaints and can guide you through the process effectively.
3. Is it illegal for landlords to discriminate in Tasmania? Yes, under the Residential Tenancy Act 1997 and the Fair Trading Act 1987 (Cth), discrimination based on personal attributes is prohibited.

1. How to file a rental discrimination complaint in Tasmania?
   1. Gather evidence of the discriminatory behaviour, such as emails or messages.
   2. Fill out the complaint form available on the Equal Opportunity Tasmania website.
   3. Submit your complaint with supporting documentation.
2. How to address a discrimination issue with your landlord?
   1. Initiate a calm and professional conversation with your landlord.
   2. Present evidence supporting your claim of discrimination.
   3. If unresolved, escalate the issue to Equal Opportunity Tasmania for formal intervention.

Understanding rental discrimination and how to address it is key to ensuring a fair renting experience in Tasmania. By taking proactive steps and utilizing available resources, tenants can effectively manage and resolve discrimination disputes.

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¹ Fair Trading Act 1987 (Cth)
² Residential Tenancy Act 1997

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