Tenants’ Rights and Rental Disputes Australia

In Australia, tenants or renters have certain rights that can protect their interests. There are various laws and regulations that protect the rights of tenants. In Australia, the specific legislation may differ in different states and territories.

Given below is a list of general rights that tenants in Australia are entitled to:

1. Right to Privacy: Tenants should be able to live in a property that is free from unwarranted interference by the landowner or any other party. They should have a right to privacy in the house that they live in.
2. Fair treatment: Tenants have the right to be treated fairly. They should not face any discrimination from landowners on the basis of race, gender, age or religion.
3. Safe and healthy conditions: Landowners are responsible for ensuring that the rental property is safe and habitable, including providing clean water, functioning plumbing and electrical systems, and adequate heating and cooling.
4. Security of Tenure: Tenants have the right to stay in the rental property for the duration of the lease agreement, as long as they fulfill their obligations under the agreement.
5. Notice period for rent hikes: Landowners must give tenants notice before increasing the rent and must follow any regulations set by the state or territory government.
6. Fair eviction: Landowners can only evict a renter for some particular reasons, and they are legally required to follow all proper legal procedures when doing so.
7. Repairs and maintenance: The obligations of maintaining and ensuring all repairs for rental property are carried out properly falls on the owner of the property.

How to Tackle Rental Disputes?

If a tenant and landowner are disputing over some rental issues, there are steps that a tenant can take in order to address the issue:

Firstly, it is necessary to talk to the landowner. Many a times, the disputes will be resolved by having an honest conversation with your landowner and by trying to reach a compromise and agreement.

Where this does not work, look up the relevant tenancy authority in your state or territory. They should be able to offer you advice and provide mediation and dispute resolution services.

If this fails, they may have to attend a court hearing at the tribunal or court. Here, the two parties will present their case and the court will make a decision. Alternatively, they can file a claim for compensation or seek an injunction that will prevent the landowner from taking certain actions.

With any of these processes, it is important to get in touch with lawyers who can help you resolve disputes with your

Author Info:

John Bui is the Principal Solicitor of JB Solicitors – a law firm based in Sydney, Australia. John is a Nationally Accredited family law Mediator and Arbitrator with over 10 years’ experience in family law and commercial litigation.