Tenants' Guide to Disability Access in Tasmania

If you're a tenant residing in Tasmania and have a disability, understanding your rights to property access and reasonable adjustments is crucial to ensuring a comfortable living experience. Tasmania's legislation requires that rental properties are accessible and cater to the needs of tenants with disabilities, promoting an inclusive environment for all.

Understanding Disability Access and Reasonable Adjustments

Tenants with disabilities have the right to request reasonable adjustments to their rental property to ensure accessibility and safety. This might include installing ramps, widening doorways, or adding grab rails in bathrooms.

Requesting Adjustments

As a tenant, you have the right to ask your landlord for modifications that will make the property suitable for your needs.

• Discuss your needs with your landlord, providing clear details about the adjustments and why they are necessary for your accessibility.
• Ensure that any agreement is documented in writing, helping both parties keep a clear record of conversations and commitments.
• Landlords can only refuse adjustments if they can demonstrate that these modifications would cause undue hardship to their property management abilities.

Residential Tenancy Act 1997

Tasmania's Residential Tenancy Act 1997 underpins the obligations and rights related to renting in the state. It is crucial for both tenants and landlords to understand their roles and responsibilities under this Act.

Always refer to the Residential Tenancy Act 1997 for detailed legislative guidance regarding your rights and obligations.

Applicable Forms and How to Use Them

To facilitate requests or mitigate disputes, it's essential to understand and use the official forms correctly:

• Request for Repairs Form: Use this if any of the requested adjustments relate to repairs. It can be accessed through the Consumer Building and Occupational Services (CBOS).
• Tenancy Dispute Form: If disputes arise regarding adjustment requests, this form helps apply to the Residential Tenancy Commissioner for resolution.

Resources for Seeking Assistance and Resolution

If you face difficulties in obtaining the necessary adjustments or understanding your rights, several resources can offer guidance and assistance.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Consumer Building and Occupational Services (CBOS): Provides guidance and handles tenancy disputes in Tasmania.
• Legal Aid Commission of Tasmania: Offers free legal advice on tenancy issues.
• Tenants' Union of Tasmania: Advocates for tenant rights and provides support and resources to renters.

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1. What are reasonable adjustments in a rental property? Reasonable adjustments are changes a landlord must allow to ensure a property is accessible to a tenant with a disability, such as installing ramps or modifying fixtures.
2. What should I do if my landlord refuses reasonable adjustments? Document all communications and seek advice or lodge a complaint with the Consumer Building and Occupational Services to resolve the issue.
3. Are landlords required to pay for disability adjustments in Tasmania? Landlords must consent to reasonable modifications, but tenants might need to fund these adjustments unless otherwise agreed.

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1. How to request a reasonable adjustment in Tasmania
   1. Discuss your needs clearly with your landlord, detailing the necessary changes and how they affect your accessibility.
   2. Provide a written request with supporting details and reasons for the adjustments.
   3. If agreed, ensure the arrangement is documented clearly, including any funding responsibilities.

Key Takeaways

• Understand your rights under the Residential Tenancy Act 1997 for disability access.
• Document all communications with your landlord when requesting adjustments.
• Seek assistance from local resources like CBOS or the Tenants' Union if challenges arise.

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