Landlord Guide to Renting in Tasmania

Landlords in Tasmania must provide a written residential tenancy agreement that complies with the Residential Tenancy Act 1997. The agreement may be fixed-term or periodic. A copy of the signed agreement should be provided to the tenant within 14 days of signing.

• Written tenancy agreements are required for all residential tenancies
• Fixed-term and periodic agreements are both permitted
• The landlord must provide a signed copy to the tenant within 14 days
• Terms inconsistent with the Act are void and unenforceable

The maximum bond in Tasmania is four weeks' rent. The landlord must lodge the bond with the Rental Deposit Authority within 10 business days of receiving it. A condition report must be prepared at the start of the tenancy.

• Maximum bond: 4 weeks' rent
• Bond must be lodged with the Rental Deposit Authority within 10 business days
• A condition report must be prepared at the start of the tenancy and agreed by both parties
• Bond may cover unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, and cleaning costs

Landlords must disclose certain information about the property before or at the time the agreement is signed. Failure to disclose material facts may entitle the tenant to terminate the agreement.

• Condition report must be completed and signed by both parties
• Disclosure of any known health or safety hazards (e.g., asbestos)
• Disclosure of any body corporate rules affecting the tenant's use of the property
• Landlord should inform the tenant of proposed sale or redevelopment plans

Landlords must offer the tenant at least one reasonably available payment method. Rent may not be required more than two weeks in advance. Receipts must be provided for cash payments.

• At least one reasonably available payment method must be offered
• Maximum rent in advance: 2 weeks
• Receipts must be provided for cash payments
• Landlord must keep accurate records of all rent received

Landlords must maintain the premises in a reasonable state of repair and fit for habitation. Emergency repairs must be dealt with promptly; non-urgent repairs within a reasonable time after notification.

• Landlord must maintain the property in a reasonable state of repair throughout the tenancy
• Emergency repairs (e.g., burst water pipe, gas leak, dangerous electrical fault) must be attended to promptly
• If the landlord fails to act on emergency repairs, the tenant may arrange them up to the prescribed limit
• Non-urgent repairs should be completed within a reasonable period after written notification

A landlord may only enter the property in circumstances permitted by the Residential Tenancy Act 1997 and must provide the required notice. Entry is limited to reasonable times.

• Routine inspections: no more than once every 3 months, with at least 48 hours' notice
• Entry for repairs: at least 24 hours' notice
• Entry in an emergency: no notice required
• Entry between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm unless the tenant agrees otherwise

Rent may be increased no more than once every 12 months. The landlord must give at least 60 days' written notice using the prescribed form. The tenant may apply to the Residential Tenancy Commissioner if the increase is considered excessive.

• Maximum one rent increase per 12-month period
• At least 60 days' written notice required
• Fixed-term agreements may only allow increases if the method or amount is specified in the agreement
• Tenant may apply to the Residential Tenancy Commissioner for a review of an excessive increase

The notice period required to end a tenancy in Tasmania depends on the type of agreement and the reason for termination. Both landlords and tenants must comply with the minimum periods set by the Act.

• Landlord ending a periodic tenancy (no reason): 42 days' notice
• Tenant ending a periodic tenancy: 14 days' notice
• End of fixed-term tenancy: 14 days' notice by the landlord if not renewing
• Non-payment of rent: 14 days' notice to remedy

A landlord cannot forcibly remove a tenant. If the tenant does not vacate after receiving a valid notice, the landlord must apply to the Residential Tenancy Commissioner or the Magistrates Court for a possession order.

• Self-help evictions (e.g., changing locks, removing belongings) are illegal
• Landlord must apply to the Residential Tenancy Commissioner or Magistrates Court for an order of possession
• The Commissioner may grant termination for serious breaches such as property damage or illegal use
• A warrant of possession is enforced by the Sheriff

At the end of the tenancy, both parties should complete a final condition report. The landlord or tenant then applies to the Rental Deposit Authority for the bond refund. Disputes are referred to the Residential Tenancy Commissioner.

• A final condition report should be completed at the end of the tenancy
• Both parties may jointly apply for the bond to be refunded
• If both parties agree on deductions, the bond is refunded accordingly
• Disputed claims are resolved by the Residential Tenancy Commissioner