Guide to Repairs and Maintenance for Renters in Tasmania

Dealing with repairs, maintenance, and urgent issues can be daunting for renters in Tasmania. However, understanding your rights and the correct process can ease the burden significantly. This guide outlines the steps you need to take to ensure your living conditions are safe and habitable according to Tasmanian law.

Understanding Your Rights as a Renter

In Tasmania, tenants' rights and responsibilities related to repairs and maintenance are governed by the Residential Tenancy Act 1997. It stipulates that landlords must ensure the property is maintained and in good repair, meeting health and safety requirements. In cases of urgent repairs, landlords are expected to act promptly.

What Counts as Urgent Repairs?

• Broken or malfunctioning essential services such as heating, water, or electrical faults.
• Serious roof leaks or substantial water damage.
• Faulty locks or security issues.
• Damage that significantly impacts living conditions or health.

If you encounter any of these issues, it's crucial to notify your landlord immediately.

Steps to Take for Repairs and Maintenance

1. Notify Your Landlord: The first step in addressing any repair or maintenance issue is to alert your landlord as soon as possible. Written communication, such as an email or letter, is advisable as it provides a record of your request. Clearly describe the issue and its urgency.
2. Use the Right Form: In Tasmania, you can use the 'Request for Repairs' form to formally report issues. This helps document the problem officially. You can find the form here on the CBOS website.
3. Allow Reasonable Time: For non-urgent repairs, landlords typically have 28 days to respond. Urgent repairs require a much quicker turnaround, usually within 24 to 48 hours.
4. Contact the Residential Tenancy Commissioner: If your landlord fails to address urgent repairs, you may contact the Residential Tenancy Commissioner for assistance. More information can be found on the CBOS Website.
5. Seek Tribunal Intervention if Necessary: Should your landlord remain unresponsive, applying to the Residential Tenancy Commissioner for a resolution may be your next step. This body handles disputes and ensures compliance with tenancy laws.

Tip: Keep a detailed log of all communications and attempts to resolve the issue, including dates, times, and the nature of responses or lack thereof.

FAQs

1. What happens if my landlord refuses to fix urgent repairs? If your landlord is unresponsive to urgent repair requests, you can apply to the Residential Tenancy Commissioner for resolution.
2. Am I allowed to withhold rent until repairs are made? No, tenants in Tasmania cannot legally withhold rent due to repair issues, as it breaches the lease agreement.
3. Can I make repairs myself and deduct the cost from rent? Tenants should not undertake repairs themselves without written consent from the landlord, as this can lead to disputes over liability and costs.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

For further assistance, contact these organisations:

• Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS) - Information and forms for Tasmanian tenants.
• Legal Aid Tasmania - Offers free legal advice to tenants.
• Tenants' Union of Tasmania - Provides advocacy and resources for renters.

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1. ^[1] Residential Tenancy Act 1997
2. ^[2] Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS)
3. ^[3] Fair Trading Act 1987 (Cth)

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