Legal Assistance for Renting Discrimination in Tasmania

Tasmania offers a beautiful living environment, but like other places, it is not immune to rental discrimination issues. If you're a renter in Tasmania facing discrimination, it is crucial to understand your rights and the legal resources available to help you. This article provides insights into dealing with rental discrimination in Tasmania, equipping you with the knowledge to advocate for fair treatment.

Understanding Rental Discrimination in Tasmania

Rental discrimination occurs when a landlord unfairly treats a tenant or prospective tenant because of characteristics like race, gender, disability, or age. Under the Fair Trading Act 1987 (Cth) and the Residential Tenancy Act 1997 of Tasmania, such discriminatory practices are prohibited. If you feel you've been discriminated against, you have avenues to seek justice and maintain your right to equal housing access.

Steps to Address Discrimination

If you experience discrimination in renting, here are steps to consider:

• Document Everything: Keep thorough records of discriminatory incidents, including emails, messages, or witness accounts.
• Consult with Tenancy Services: Reach out to local tenancy services for initial advice. The Tasmanian Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading can provide guidance on your situation.
• Legal Actions: Consider filing a formal complaint with the Equal Opportunity Tasmania office if discrimination persists.

Filing Complaints and Seeking Legal Help

When pursuing a legal complaint, it's essential to follow the correct procedures to ensure your case is heard:

• Complaint Lodgement: Use the Equal Opportunity Tasmania Complaint Form to officially lodge your complaint.
• Seek Legal Advice: Contact a community legal centre or rental advocacy service for assistance in preparing your case. Organizations like the Tenants' Union of Tasmania offer free advice and representation for renters.

FAQ

1. What constitutes rental discrimination? Rental discrimination involves treating a tenant or applicant unfairly based on personal attributes such as race, gender, or age.
2. How can I prove discrimination in renting? Keep detailed records of interactions and gather evidence, like emails, messages, or witness statements, that prove unfair treatment.
3. Where can I lodge a complaint? Discrimination complaints in Tasmania can be lodged with Equal Opportunity Tasmania.

Key Takeaways

• Understand your rights under Tasmania's Residential Tenancy Act 1997.
• Document any discriminatory incidents thoroughly.
• Reach out to legal and support services for assistance.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

If you're facing rental discrimination in Tasmania, consider using these resources:

• Tasmanian Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading – For tenancy advice and guidance.
• Equal Opportunity Tasmania – To lodge discrimination complaints.
• Tenants' Union of Tasmania – For legal advice and support.

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[1] Fair Trading Act 1987 (Cth)

[2] Residential Tenancy Act 1997

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