Tenants' Union of Tasmania News

Rents are Rising Faster than Inflation According to Tenants' Union Callers

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 13:15:00 +1000

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.

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 21:35:00 +1000

Principal Solicitor

Applications have closed

Latest Edition of our Newsletter: Rent Rant

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 12:32:00 +1000

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

Wed, 26 May 2010 15:00:00 +1000

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

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 12:12:00 +1100

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

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:53:00 +1100

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

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:05:00 +1100

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

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:38:00 +1100

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

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:35:03 +1100

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 Submission on Tenancy Databases

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:11:15 +1100

The Tenants' Union has recently submitted its response to the model provisions for residential tenancy databases. We call for a prohibition on residential tenancy databases. However, if they are permitted they should be tightly regulated. Click here for our submission.