Rent Increase Rights and Controls in Tasmania

As a renter in Tasmania, understanding rent increases and rent control laws is crucial for ensuring your rights are protected. In Tasmania, rent increases can pose significant challenges, but the Residential Tenancy Act 1997 lays out specific protections and processes.

When Can Rent Be Increased?

In Tasmania, your landlord can increase rent, but certain conditions must be met:

• Written Notice: A written notice must be provided at least 60 days before the increase.
• Frequency: Rent can only be increased once every 12 months for ongoing tenancies.
• Fairness: If the rent increase seems excessive, you can challenge it.

How to Respond to a Rent Increase Notice

Review the Notice

Carefully review the rent increase notice to confirm all conditions are met according to the Residential Tenancy Act 1997. Ensure the required 60-day notice period has been adhered to.

Challenge an Excessive Increase

If you believe the proposed rent increase is unreasonable, you can apply to the Residential Tenancy Commissioner to review the decision. The Commissioner will evaluate whether the increase is excessive.

Completing Form 1: Application for the Review of Rent Increase

Use Form 1 if you wish to challenge a rent increase. This form needs to be completed and submitted to the Residential Tenancy Commissioner within 60 days of receiving the rent increase notice. More information on the process can be found at the Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading Tasmania website.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is considered a fair rent increase in Tasmania? The fair increase is determined based on market rates and the condition and location of the property.
2. How often can my landlord increase the rent? Landlords in Tasmania are allowed to increase rent once every 12 months.
3. What do I do if my landlord has not provided a 60-day notice for a rent increase? You can challenge the rent increase with the Residential Tenancy Commissioner.

How to Challenge a Rent Increase in Tasmania

1. Step 1: Review the notice. Check if your landlord followed the state’s rules for notifying you of a rent increase.
2. Step 2: Gather evidence. Collect information about similar properties and rent prices in your area.
3. Step 3: Complete Form 1. Fill out the Application for the Review of Rent Increase within 60 days.
4. Step 4: Submit the form. Send your completed form to the Residential Tenancy Commissioner.
5. Step 5: Await a decision. The Commissioner will review and provide a decision.

Key Takeaways

• Notification of a rent increase must be in writing and issued 60 days before implementation.
• Challenge excessive rent increases with the Residential Tenancy Commissioner using Form 1.
• Keep records of all related correspondence.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

If you need assistance, consider contacting the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (TASCAT) or the Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading Tasmania.

---

1. ¹ Fair Trading Act 1987 (Cth)
2. ² Residential Tenancy Act 1997
3. ³ Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading Tasmania

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