Free Legal Help for Renters with Disabilities in Tasmania

Living with a disability can present unique challenges, especially when it comes to finding and maintaining a suitable rental home in Tasmania. Understanding tenant rights and accessing necessary legal support can ensure that your home is accessible and meets your needs. Whether you require adjustments for mobility aids or other disability support, knowing where to turn for help is crucial.

Understanding Your Rights as a Tenant with a Disability

In Tasmania, renters with disabilities are protected under the Residential Tenancy Act 1997, which outlines the rights and obligations of both tenants and landlords. This legislation requires landlords to facilitate reasonable adjustments to ensure accessibility, as long as these changes don’t impose an unjust burden.

Under federal law, renters are also protected by provisions in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth), which prevents discrimination on the basis of disability and requires reasonable accommodations in rented homes.

How to Request Disability Adjustments

If you require specific adjustments in your rental property, you should provide a written request to your landlord outlining the necessary changes. It’s beneficial to include evidence or a recommendation from a healthcare professional when making your request. Once your request is submitted, the landlord must respond and provide a reason if they deny your request.

Sample Form: Request for Modification

• Name: Request for Minor Modification Form
• Use: This form is used when a tenant requests a landlord to make changes to the rental property for accessibility purposes.
• Access: Available from the Consumer, Building and Occupational Services.

Free Legal Help in Tasmania

For renters needing assistance with disability access and adjustments, Tasmania offers several resources for legal help:

• Legal Aid Tasmania: Provides free legal advice and representation. Visit their website or call for more information.
• Tenants’ Union of Tasmania: Specializes in tenancy law and offers free advice to renters on their rights and responsibilities.

If facing difficulties with landlords regarding disability adjustments, don't hesitate to seek legal advice to understand your rights and options.

FAQ Section

1. What constitutes a reasonable adjustment in a rental property? A reasonable adjustment is a change that allows a person with a disability to have equal enjoyment of the premises, such as installing a ramp or modifying bathrooms.
2. Can a landlord refuse to make reasonable adjustments? Landlords can only refuse if the requested change imposes an unjust hardship, which must be sufficiently proven.
3. How do I demonstrate the necessity of an adjustment? Providing documentation from healthcare providers or specialists supporting your request can demonstrate necessity.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Consumer, Building and Occupational Services: Offers guidance on tenancy rights and legislation. Visit their official website for more resources.
• Legal Aid Commissions: Provide assistance with a variety of legal matters, including tenancy disputes.
• Anti-Discrimination Commission of Tasmania: Supports victims of discrimination and offers additional resources.

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1. Residential Tenancy Act 1997 - Tasmania

2. Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth)

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