Tenants' Union of Tasmania

Tenants' Union Advice Now on Skype

Posted on Monday, 7 May 2012 | Permalink

The Tenants' Union now provides face-to-face advice through Skype on Fridays from 9.30am to 12.30pm.  Click here for details.

Input Sought for New Smoke Alarm Legislation

Posted on Thursday, 19 April 2012 | Permalink

The Tasmanian Government is proposing new legislation to make smoke alarms mandatory in all tenancies covered under the Residential Tenancy Act.  The bill, which is due to come before parliament in Winter 2012, will require landlords/agents to install smoke alarms at the commencement date of the legislation, and have hard-wired (mains powered) alarms or ten-year non-removable battery alarms within 3 years of the legislation coming into effect.  If you wish to see the proposed legislation and make a comment, it can be found at the Consumer Affairs website. Submissions close Friday 27th April.

Water Bills

Posted on Tuesday, 20 March 2012 | Permalink

Queries about water and sewerage bills are increasing as water meters continue to be rolled out across the State.  Of particular concern for tenants is the number of landlords trying to make the tenant pay the whole water and sewerage bill.  In some cases these bills are addressed to the tenant.  To avoid confusion here's the quick low down on water and sewerage bills:

1. Water and sewerage bills should be sent to the landlord or agent not the tenant.  This will not change after July 1.
2. The landlord/agent may only pass on the metered component of the bill to the tenant.
3. The metered component can only be passed on to the tenant if the meter is only for their property and the tenant(s) have been the only occupant during the billing period.

Tenants are not responsible for the whole bill, even if the lease agreement says that they are.

Tenants' Union Review Submission

Posted on Tuesday, 28 February 2012 | Permalink

Thank you to all the tenants and supporters who made a submission to the Residential Tenancy Act Review.

Here's the Tenants' Union submission in detail.  The Minister put out a press release last week confirming his determination to see minimum standards for residential tenancies.  We will continue in our efforts to see them enacted.

Residential Tenancy Act Review

Posted on Thursday, 16 February 2012 | Permalink

It's the final week for submissions to the Residential Tenancy Act Review and this your chance to tell the Tasmanian Government that you want better rental conditions now.

We've made a quick and easy form for you to do that.

Please fill it in and tell your friends.

Submissions close Friday 24th February.

Tenant Input Needed for Residential Tenancy Act Review

Posted on Monday, 30 January 2012 | Permalink

The main piece of legislation governing Tasmanian residential tenancies is under review and tenants have less than a month to comment.

The Residential Tenancy Act Review's Final Report and Consultation Paper was released in December and has 17 recommendations including:

• Allowing rent increases to occur only every 12 months instead of the present 6 months,
• The introduction of limited minimum standards of accommodation.  These include hot and cold running water, cooking facilities, adequate ventilation and adequate heating in the main living area.  Further standards would be examined by a working party,
• Removing provisions that allow tenants to undertake repairs when the landlord/agent won't do them, and
• Allowing landlords to let properties to family members after giving 90 days notice to a tenant on a non-fixed lease.

As you can see there are some improvements for tenants and some potential victories for landlords/agents. 

The Tenants' Union will also be pushing for further changes to the Act that have not been included in the recommendations such as lengthening notice periods for inspections, ending the discrimination against pet owners and ensuring that residential tenants have at least one fee-free method of paying rent.

The Tenants' Union will be responding to the Report with a detailed submission.  If you wish to make a comment, either contact us or make your own submission.  The closing date is 24th February 2012.