Tenant Harassment & Landlord Misconduct Issues in Tasmania

As a renter in Tasmania, understanding your rights around harassment and landlord misconduct is crucial. The Residential Tenancy Act 1997 provides a framework for tenants facing issues such as harassment or intimidating behavior from landlords. By comprehending these laws and knowing how to respond, you can better protect yourself and your living situation.

Common Tenant Harassment Issues in Tasmania

Tenants across Tasmania often face various forms of harassment. Here are some typical issues:

• Unlawful Entry: Landlords entering the property without notice can constitute harassment.
• Intimidation and Threats: This includes verbal threats or actions meant to scare or control tenants.
• Rent Retaliation: Increasing rent as a retaliatory action against tenants for asserting their rights.

Unlawful Entry

Landlords must provide at least 24 hours' written notice before entering a rented property, except in emergencies. If your landlord frequently enters without notice, this may be deemed harassment under Tasmanian law.

Dealing with Intimidation

Intimidation could include a landlord making threats to evict you unfairly or making false accusations. Such actions go against your rights as outlined in the Residential Tenancy Act 1997.^[1]

Responding to Rent Retaliation

Rent retaliation is illegal under Tasmanian law. If you feel your rent was increased unfairly, you can challenge this through official channels. Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS) provides a platform for resolving such disputes and can offer guidance.^[2]

Lodging a Complaint

When facing harassment, it's important to act swiftly and appropriately:

1. Document Everything: Keep records of all interactions with your landlord, including dates, times, and content.
2. File a Complaint: Use the Residential Tenancy Act 1997 complaint forms available from CBOS. They can guide you through the process.
3. Seek Mediation: Consider requesting mediation through CBOS to resolve the issue amicably.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

If you're dealing with landlord harassment or need advice on tenancy rights, the following resources are available:

• Legal Aid Tasmania - Provides free legal advice and support.
• Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS) - Offers advice and support regarding tenancy issues.
• Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (TASCAT) - Handles disputes that can't be resolved through mediation.

---

1. What should I do if my landlord enters without permission?

   If your landlord enters without permission, document the incident and inform them of your rights under the Residential Tenancy Act 1997. If it continues, consider filing a complaint with CBOS.

2. How can I prove landlord harassment?

   Keep detailed records of all interactions and any evidence of harassment, such as emails or recorded messages. These will be essential if you need to take legal action.

3. Can my landlord raise my rent as a form of retaliation?

   No, retaliatory rent increases are illegal in Tasmania. If you face a retaliatory action, you can challenge it through CBOS.

---

^[1] Residential Tenancy Act 1997
^[2] Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS)

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