Rights when buying and selling homes
If you are buying a house the Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading website provides some very useful guides to lead you through some basic steps which will help you to make the right decision to suit your personal circumstances. It also provides important information on the rights and obligations of auctioneers and real estate agents. If you are successful in buying your new home, information is also available on conveyancing.
Rights as a landlord or tenant
Whether you are a tenant or a property owner, the Renting in Tasmania booklet provides detailed information that will assist you to better understand your rights and obligations under the residential tenancy law.
A Rental Deposit Authority (or Bond Board) will also be established in Tasmania in 2007 to increase the level of security and appropriate return of tenant money.
Further information on renting in Tasmanian and the Rental Deposit Authority is available through the Department of Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading.
Rights in public housing
As a tenant of Housing Tasmania you have the same rights and obligations as private tenants. These are described in the Renting in Tasmania booklet. Information about the rights and responsbilities of public housing tenants can be found in the relevant fact sheets. Copies of this information is also available at your nearest Housing Tasmania Service Centre.
Housing Tasmania is committed to providing a high level of customer service to all clients. This includes making sure that clients have access to the information they need about the decision making process and the right of complaint and appeal.
- If you are unhappy with the service you have received from Housing Tasmania or think that Housing Tasmania has not met its responsibilities you have a right to access Housing Tasmania's Customer Feedback and Complaints process.
Rights in boarding houses
If you are staying in a boarding house (that may also be known as a supported residential facility) then the Department of Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading can provide information about your rights as a resident of Tasmanian boarding houses. These rights are also described in the Renting in Tasmania booklet.
Rights in Supported Accommodation Assistance Program Services
All SAAP organisations are required to:
- Have clear policies and procedures to ensure that the rights of clients are protected
- Have a clearly documented complaints procedure; and
- Provide each client with information about the policies and procedures, and where they can access support/advocacy to pursue a grievance.
Rights in Aged Care Facilities
The Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency is the independent body responsible for managing the accreditation and ongoing supervision of Australian Government funded aged care homes.
Rights in retirement villages
If you are planning to move into a retirement village then the Department of Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading can provide information about your rights in Tasmanian retirement villages. The Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading website also contains useful information including a checklist to help you decide if a particular retirement village is the right place for you.