The Tenants' Union of Tasmania Inc

The Tenants' Union of Tasmania Inc (ABN: 90027237500RR0001) is a nonprofit organization committed to protecting the rights of residential tenants across Tasmania. It serves as a specialist legal and advocacy service dedicated to providing free advice, representation, and education to tenants, both in public and private rental sectors throughout the state.

History and Purpose

Established to secure and advance tenants' rights, the Tenants' Union of Tasmania aims to ensure fair rental conditions and improve housing standards for all Tasmanian tenants. The organization addresses issues such as rental payments, eviction processes, bond handling, repairs and maintenance, and minimum housing standards. It actively engages in law reform campaigns, including advocating for amendments to accommodate assistance animals within tenancy laws similarly to guide dogs.[1][5]

Services

The Union offers a wide array of services designed to support tenants:

• Free Legal Advice and Representation: Providing direct assistance to tenants facing disputes or challenges within their rental agreements.
• Community Legal Education: Conducting educational sessions and distributing fact sheets in areas including rent payments, eviction notices, bond management, repairs, and tenant rights.
• Advocacy: Lobbying for legislative changes to enhance tenant protections and housing conditions in Tasmania.[1][2][4]

Regional Reach

The Tenants' Union delivers services across major regions of Tasmania, including Hobart, Launceston, Devonport, and the North West, West, and East of the state. This broad geographic coverage ensures accessible support for tenants in both urban and rural areas.[3][4]

Impact and Contributions

As a community-focused legal service, the Union plays a vital role in advocating for affordable, safe, and sustainable housing. It has contributed to government inquiries and policy discussions, notably submitting evidence and recommendations to national housing and homelessness reviews to highlight Tasmania’s unique rental market challenges and the need for improved tenant protections.[5]

Educational Resources

The Union produces comprehensive fact sheets and guides to inform tenants about their rights and responsibilities. Topics covered include rent arrears, eviction processes, bonding issues, repairs and maintenance, family violence, mould, and natural disaster preparedness. These resources aim to empower tenants with clear, accessible information to navigate rental tenancy issues effectively.[2]

The Tenants' Union of Tasmania Inc remains a key institution in Tasmania’s housing landscape, striving continuously to support tenants through legal aid, education, and advocacy to promote fair and equitable housing conditions statewide.

[1] https://tutas.org.au [2] https://tutas.org.au/factsheets/ [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/1d8643db-39af-e811-a960-000d3ad24282/profile [4] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/1d8643db-39af-e811-a960-000d3ad24282/documents/5ec5c58b-8ec8-e911-a995-000d3ad05e15 [5] https://www.pc.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/338035/sub079-housing-homelessness.pdf