Rooming & Boarding House Rights in Tasmania

Living in a rooming or boarding house in Tasmania comes with specific rights and responsibilities intended to protect both the tenants and the landlords. Understanding these rights can help ensure a fair and respectful living environment.

What is a Rooming House?

A rooming house is a building where individuals can rent rooms while sharing common areas such as kitchens or bathrooms. Unlike traditional tenancy arrangements, these often cater to short-term stays.

Your Rights in a Rooming House

• Privacy: While sharing facilities with others, you have a right to privacy in your rented room.
• Maintenance: Landlords must maintain the common facilities in a safe and clean condition.
• Notice of Entry: You must be given proper notice before the landlord enters your room, except in emergencies.
• Repairs: Requests for repairs should be acknowledged promptly, and urgent repairs must be attended to quickly.

Eviction and Dispute Resolution

Evictions must be handled legally through the appropriate notices and cannot occur without following due process as outlined in the Residential Tenancy Act 1997. If a dispute arises, you can seek assistance from the Tasmanian Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading (CAFT).

Common Forms Used in Tenancy

Understanding and using the correct forms are essential for protecting your rights:

• Notice to Vacate: This is used by landlords to formally ask tenants to leave the premises and must follow specific guidelines outlined under the Residential Tenancy Act 1997.
• Repair Notice: Use this form to request necessary repairs in writing, ensuring both documentation and clarity.

Ensure you keep copies of all correspondence and official forms as part of your tenancy records.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Tasmanian Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading (CAFT) - Offers advice and handles complaints related to rooming and boarding house disputes.
• Tasmania Legal Aid - Provides free legal advice to eligible Tasmanians, including tenancy matters.
• Tenants’ Union of Tasmania - A community resource with comprehensive guides for tenants.

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1. What should I do if I face an unfair eviction? Seek legal advice immediately from Tasmania Legal Aid or the Tenants’ Union of Tasmania, and ensure all eviction notices comply with the Residential Tenancy Act 1997.
2. How can I handle rent increases? Your landlord must provide a proper notice period as specified in the lease agreement and comply with the Residential Tenancy Act 1997. You may negotiate or dispute an unfair increase.
3. What action can I take for urgent repairs? Notify your landlord in writing immediately. If they fail to respond, you can escalate the matter to the Tasmanian Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading.

1. How to request repairs in Tasmania
   1. Notify the landlord: Use written communication to detail the necessary repairs.
   2. Wait for a response: Allow a reasonable time frame for the landlord to arrange the repairs.
   3. Escalate if necessary: If the landlord does not respond, contact the Tasmanian Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading for assistance.

Key Takeaways

• Understand your right to privacy, proper maintenance, and legal procedure in evictions.
• Always document communication and use official forms when necessary.
• Seek help from Tasmanian Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading if disputes are unresolved.

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¹ Tasmanian Government. Residential Tenancy Act 1997.
² Tasmanian Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading. Rooming and Boarding Houses.
³ Tasmanian Legal Aid. Legal Assistance for Tenants.

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