Rooming and Boarding Houses in Tasmania

Rooming and boarding houses offer flexible living arrangements, making them popular options for renters in Tasmania. If you're considering moving into one, it's crucial to know your rights and responsibilities to navigate potential challenges smoothly. Whether you're facing concerns around rent increases, evictions, or maintenance issues, understanding the legal framework in Tasmania can empower you as a tenant.

Understanding Rooming and Boarding Houses

In Tasmania, rooming and boarding houses are governed by specific regulations under the Residential Tenancy Act 1997¹. This law outlines the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants, providing a framework for fair and equitable rental practices.

Key Rights and Responsibilities

• Rent Increases: Rooming house tenants must be given at least 60 days' notice of any rent increase. Ensure any increase complies with your tenancy agreement and Tasmanian law.
• Evictions: Evictions must be conducted according to the Residential Tenancy Act 1997, requiring landlords to provide proper notice. Tenants can challenge unfair evictions through the Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS).
• Repairs and Maintenance: Landlords are responsible for maintaining the property in a reasonable condition. Repairs should be addressed promptly, and tenants can request necessary repairs through formal communication.

How to Handle Common Issues

Common issues in rooming and boarding houses often relate to rent increases, evictions, or maintenance requests. Here's a brief guide on what actions to take:

Responding to Rent Increases

• Review the Notice: Ensure the notice provides at least 60 days before the rent increase and assess if it's reasonable.
• Negotiate: If you believe the increase is excessive, consider negotiating with your landlord or seeking advice.

Dealing with Evictions

• Check the Notice: Confirm that the eviction notice meets legal requirements.
• Lodge a Dispute: If the eviction seems unfair, lodge a complaint with CBOS or contact a legal advisor.

Requesting Repairs

• Formal Request: Document your request for repairs in writing to your landlord.
• Escalate if Necessary: If repairs are not addressed, seek assistance from CBOS.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

If you're facing issues, several resources are available to assist:

• Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS): Offers guidance on your rights and dispute resolution.
• Tasmanian Legal Aid: Provides free legal advice and can assist with tenancy disputes.
• Community Legal Centres Tasmania: Offers legal support and information on renter rights.

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1. What defines a rooming and boarding house in Tasmania?

   In Tasmania, a rooming or boarding house is defined by its accommodations, where tenants rent individual rooms and share common facilities like kitchens and bathrooms.

2. How should I respond if I receive an eviction notice?

   Firstly, verify that the notice meets the legal requirements under the Residential Tenancy Act 1997. If it seems unjust, consider disputing the eviction through CBOS.

3. Can a landlord increase rent without notice?

   No, landlords must provide at least 60 days' written notice before increasing rent for rooming house tenants in Tasmania.

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