News Archives
News posts from 2010
Tenants' Union Submission to Tasmania Together
Posted on Wednesday, 22 December 2010 | Permalink
The Tenants' Union argues that the lack of rental availability, affordability and quality is thwarting many of Tasmania Together's goals.
Agreement on Minimum Standards at Renting Conference
Posted on Wednesday, 10 November 2010 | Permalink
Minimum standards for rental housing in Tasmania is the major priority according to delegates attending the recent Renting in Tasmania conference. The Tenants' Union, real estate agents and community housing organisations all agreed that legislation to prevent tenants from living in substandard housing was the highest priority in the reform of the Residential Tenancy Act. There was also broad agreement about limiting rent increases to once every 12 months (rather than the present 6 month period) and the introduction of a tenancy tribunal to replace the Magistrates Court as the major dispute resolution body.
More details soon...
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'Drop Ins' Unavailable on Tuesday 2nd and Wednesday 3rd
Posted on Friday, 29 October 2010 | Permalink
The Tenants' Union will be CLOSED for 'Drop Ins' on Tuesday 2nd November and Wednesday 3rd November because we will be at the Residential Tenancy Conference. 'Drop Ins' will resume as usual on Thursday 4th November from 9.30am to 12.30pm.
Our advice line will remain open as usual (1300 652 641 or 6223 2641)
We apologise for any inconvenience.
International Tenants Day - Monday 4th October
Posted on Monday, 4 October 2010 | Permalink
International Tenants Day co-incides with World Habitat Day and falls on the first Monday in October every year.
It is interesting that the International Union of Tenants (of which the Tenants' Union of Tasmania is a member) has called for the following:
a. Reduce subsidies, like tax relief, to home owners;
b. Strive for a minimum of 33% rental housing, of the total stock on a national level, and of which 50% should be social / public housing;
c. Stimulate the supply of affordable rental housing, by allocation of funding and state/municipally owned land;
d. Work against segregation and towards social cohesion by stimulating local diversity of housing types and housing tenure (rental vs. owner-occupied), and prevent the development of large areas of low-quality rental housing.
e. Focus on the quality at least as much as on the quantity;
f. Stimulate the development of lifetime housing and housing with care and support;
Tasmania and Australia could do worse than incorporate these basic principles into housing policy, especially considering the price, quality and quantity of rental housing presently available.
Tenants' Union of Tasmania Inc. Annual General Meeting
Posted on Friday, 10 September 2010 | Permalink
The Tenants' Union of Tasmania AGM is to be held 5.30 pm on Tuesday 14th September 2010 at 166 Macquarie St, Hobart. Business to be transacted in accordance with Rule 17(e) of the Association’s Constitution.
Rents are Rising Faster than Inflation According to Tenants' Union Callers
Posted on Monday, 2 August 2010 | Permalink
The average rent of callers to our advice line has risen by 25% in the last 3 years. Over the same period, inflation has risen by 9%.
The average rent of callers was $200.93 in 2006/07. It increased to $251.10 in the last financial year (for a graphical version click here).
As rent rises faster than the overall cost of living it is clear that market based solutions are not working. It is time for both State and Federal Governments to put serious effort into making housing affordable for all Tasmanians and Australians.
Position Vacant:
Posted on Wednesday, 14 July 2010 | Permalink
Principal Solicitor
Applications have closed
Latest Edition of our Newsletter: Rent Rant
Posted on Wednesday, 30 June 2010 | Permalink
The Winter 2010 edition of Rent Rant is out now. It features a summary of the guidelines used to decide bond disputes.
To view the newsletter click here. To subscribe to our newsletter enter your email address in the box on the left hand side of this page.
A Better Lease on Life - a report on tenancy and homelessness
Posted on Wednesday, 26 May 2010 | Permalink
A Better Lease on Life is a report outlining how tenants' rights can be improved while simultaneously decreasing the frequency and impact of homelessness.
Click here for a pdf version of the report by National Shelter and the National Association of Tenant Organisations (NATO).
The Latest Issue of Rent Rant - The Tenants' Union Newsletter
Posted on Tuesday, 23 March 2010 | Permalink
The Summer 2009/10 edition of Rent Rant is out now. It features a summary of our Residential Tenancy Act Review submission.
To view the newsletter click here. To subscribe to our newsletter enter your email address in the box on the left hand side of this page.
Volunteering at the Tenants' Union
Posted on Wednesday, 3 March 2010 | Permalink
Are you interested in helping tenants resolve issues with their landlords?
Can you communicate with people from a broad range of backgrounds?
Are you interested in human rights and social justice issues?
Can you volunteer three hours per week during business hours for a minimum of 26 weeks?
Then come and volunteer with us!
We provide FREE advice to tenants and opportunities are available to become a volunteer telephone advisor.
You will need to complete six hours of training over three sessions in Hobart:
Session 1: Friday 26th March 2.30 - 4.30pm
Session 2: Tuesday 30th March 2.30 - 4.30pm
Session 3: Friday 9th April 2.30 -4.30pm
To register interest call Meredith on 6223 2591.
Residential Tenancy Act Submission
Posted on Monday, 1 March 2010 | Permalink
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The Tenants' Union has recently completed its submission for the Residential Tenancy Act Review, Tasmania's primary residential tenancy legislation. The Tenants' Union's key recommendations are:
1) To create minimum residential tenancy standards to guarantee that all tenants live in adequate housing.
2) That landlords need valid reason(s) to evict tenants.
3) To limit mid-lease rent increases to the inflation rate.
There are also recommendations on tribunals, paying rent, caravan parks, student accommodation and more. Click on the cover above for our full submission.
North West and West Coast Roadshow
Posted on Monday, 22 February 2010 | Permalink
The Tenants' Union will be on the road again this Winter, this time on the West Coast and in the North West.
We will be giving free seminars and advice to residential tenants and other interested people.
If you want us to come to your town, school or community organisation please contact us now as we will be finalising our itinerary shortly.
Rental Vacancy Rates
Posted on Wednesday, 20 January 2010 | Permalink
According to the latest data (December 2009) from SQM Research, rental vacancy rates for selected localities in Tasmania are as follows:
Hobart: 1.8%
Launceston: 3.2%
Burnie: 1.8%
East Coast: 0.6%
West Coast: 4.5%
(click on the locality for historical data)
For more exciting stats try our NEW rental statistics page.
© Tenants Union of Tasmania 2009
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