Know Your Rights in Tasmanian Boarding Houses

If you're living in a rooming or boarding house in Tasmania, understanding your rights is crucial to ensuring a fair and secure tenancy. Unlike standard residential tenancies, boarding houses have specific rules that cater to shared facilities.

Understanding Your Accommodation

In Tasmania, boarding houses are governed under the Residential Tenancy Act 1997, which outlines the rights and obligations of both tenants and proprietors. If your living arrangement includes shared facilities, it’s important to distinguish your rights from those in a regular tenancy.

Key Rights for Boarders

As a boarder, you have specific protection rights, including:

• Protection against unfair eviction without notice
• Standard maintenance and repair services
• Fair rent increases with proper notification

Boarding houses in Tasmania must comply with the Fair Trading Act 1987 (Cth) Fair Trading Act 1987 (Cth) to ensure a standard living environment.

Handling Disputes and Evictions

If you're facing an eviction or dispute, it’s crucial to understand the proper processes. The relevant body for handling disputes in Tasmania is the Residential Tenancy Commissioner. Refer to the Consumer, Building and Occupational Services for official procedures and assistance.

Tip: Always keep a written record of all communications and agreements with your landlord.

Forms and Applications

• Notice to Leave Form: Used if you need to vacate the premises. Obtain it from the CBOS.
• Application for Maintenance: To request repairs from your landlord through the CBOS.

Providing these forms allows you to effectively communicate formal requests or notifications.

Rent Increases

Any rent increase must be communicated with proper notice as per the Residential Tenancy Act. Engage with your landlord to ensure compliance with local regulations. For more details, consult the CBOS page on rental issues.

1. What is the difference between a boarding house and a residential tenancy? Boarding houses involve multiple tenants sharing facilities, whereas residential tenancies are often self-contained.
2. Can my rent be increased without notice in a boarding house? No, proper notice must be given as per the Residential Tenancy Act.
3. Who handles disputes in boarding houses? The Residential Tenancy Commissioner oversees such disputes.

1. How can I respond to a Notice to Leave in Tasmania?
   1. Review the notice to ensure compliance with legal requirements.
   2. Respond to your landlord if any issues are found.
   3. If unresolved, apply to the Residential Tenancy Commissioner for dispute assistance.

Boarders should familiarize themselves with the processes and necessary documentation for any formal actions concerning tenancy issues.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Consumer, Building and Occupational Services: Comprehensive services for tenants including dispute resolution
• Tenants' Union of Tasmania: Offers legal advice and tenancy support
• Residential Tenancy Commissioner: Manages formal tenancy disputes at CBOS

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1. Fair Trading Act 1987 (Cth), accessible from legislation.gov.au.
2. Tasmanian Residential Tenancy Act 1997, accessible from legislation.tas.gov.au.
3. Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS), available from cbos.tas.gov.au.

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