Guide to Tenants' Rights in Tasmania

Navigating the rental landscape as a tenant in Tasmania can be challenging, especially when dealing with issues like rent increases, repairs, or eviction notices. This guide will help you understand your rights and responsibilities, particularly concerning rooming and boarding houses. Whether you're a first-time renter or dealing with a complex rental situation, our comprehensive guide provides clear and accessible information adapted to the unique rental environment in Tasmania.

Your Rights in Rooming and Boarding Houses

Rooming and boarding houses are a popular choice for many renters in Tasmania. Different rules apply compared to traditional rental agreements, primarily due to shared facilities and communal living arrangements. Understanding these differences is essential to ensure your rights are protected.

Understanding the Agreement

In a rooming or boarding house, tenants usually have a separate agreement that lists specific terms and conditions. These agreements should comply with the Residential Tenancy Act 1997. Ensure you thoroughly read and understand your agreement before signing.

Your Rights as a Tenant

Under the Residential Tenancy Act 1997, you have several rights, including:

• The right to a safe and habitable living environment
• Privacy, including the right to have locks on your room
• Reasonable access to communal facilities
• Procedural fairness in any potential eviction

Dealing with Rent Increases

Different rules apply to rent increases in rooming and boarding houses. Your landlord must follow specific guidelines to notify you of potential changes. If you feel a rent increase is unjustified, you might challenge it through formal processes.

Steps to Challenge a Rent Increase

If you wish to challenge a rent increase in Tasmania, you can:

1. Review the Notice: Ensure the rent increase complies with the Residential Tenancy Act 1997.
2. Discuss with Your Landlord: Initiate a conversation to negotiate the terms.
3. Apply to Tribunal: If the negotiation doesn’t succeed, apply for a review with the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (TASCAT).

Eviction Procedures

If you face eviction, it's crucial to know the proper procedures and your right to dispute unjust evictions. Eviction must comply with tenancy laws, offering you proper notice and the opportunity to respond.

Legitimate Reasons for Eviction

Common reasons might include:

• Breach of contract
• Damage to property
• Repeated late payments

Requesting Repairs

Maintaining safe and liveable conditions in your rented room or house is your landlord's legal obligation. If repairs are needed, make a formal request using the appropriate form.

Filing a Repair Request

To request repairs:

• Official Form: Use the Repair Notice Form, available from the Tasmanian Residential Tenancy Commissioner, to formally notify your landlord.
• Documentation: Document the issue with photos and notes.
• Follow Up: If unresolved, approach the Chief Tenancy Officer to raise a formal complaint.

1. What are my rights if my landlord wants to evict me?

   You have the right to receive proper notice and an opportunity to dispute the eviction. A landlord must follow the legal procedures laid out in the Residential Tenancy Act 1997.

2. How often can my rent be increased?

   Under Tasmanian laws, rents can't be increased more than once in six months and require a proper 60-days notice. More details are available through the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (TASCAT).

3. What should I do if my landlord refuses to make repairs?

   File a Repair Notice Form and, if needed, contact the Chief Tenancy Officer after a reasonable response time has passed.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (TASCAT): Handles disputes related to renting.
• Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS): Provides guidance and resources for tenants.

---

1. The Residential Tenancy Act 1997, accessed via the Tasmanian Government website.
2. Fair Trading Act 1987 (Cth), accessed via the Australian Government legislation site.

Categories

General Tenant Rights & Protections Tenancy Agreements & Renewals Rent, Bond & Holding Deposits Moving In & Condition Reports Ending a Tenancy & Moving Out Repairs, Maintenance & Urgent Issues Minimum Standards & Habitability Evictions & Breach Notices Co-Tenancies, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Equal Housing Access Disability Access & Reasonable Adjustments Utilities, Water & Internet Billing Public, Community & Social Housing Rent Increases & Rent Controls Privacy & Landlord Entry Rules Locks, Keys & Security Obligations Resolving Disputes & Tribunal Processes Harassment, Threats & Landlord Misconduct Boarding Houses, Rooming Houses & Lodgers Caravan Parks & Residential Parks Bond Refunds & Claims Notice Periods & Tenancy Termination Entry Condition Breaches & Compensation Tenant Advocacy & Legal Aid