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Residential Tenancy in Tasmania: The Tenants’ Union Vision. Meredith Upchurch Solicitor Tenants’ Union of Tasmania. Source: REIT. Hobart Vacancy Rates. Australian Dwelling ‘Gap’. Source: National Housing Supply Council. Minimum Standards Australian Comparison.
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Residential Tenancy in Tasmania:The Tenants’ Union Vision Meredith Upchurch Solicitor Tenants’ Union of Tasmania
Source: REIT Hobart Vacancy Rates
Australian Dwelling ‘Gap’ Source: National Housing Supply Council
Minimum Standards Australian Comparison Source: Relevant State or Territory Legislation
Alberta, Canada • Housing premises are structurally sound, in a safe condition, in good repair, and maintained in waterproof, windproof and weatherproof condition. • Equipment and Furnishings – Occupants of housing premises must be supplied with adequate; sanitary facilities, heat, potable water, utilities and space for sleeping. • The owner shall ensure that all rooms and other areas are maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. Source: Minimum Housing and Health Standards (Alberta, Canada)
Median Rent - Tasmania 2000-2010 Median Increase: 96% CPI (Hobart): 34% CPI (Australia): 36%
Impact of Legislative Change • ‘[n]o evidence has been provided which indicates changes to rental prices, property availability, or the ability of persons to enter the market as a result of the Act’ (CAFT, 2000, p.54) • In landlord investment decisions, residential tenancy law was the most important factor for less than two per cent of landlords, and only about seven per cent considered residential tenancies law at all. (Seelig, 2007)
Costs to Landlord fromMinimum Standards • Expenses likely to be tax deductable • Improvements are likely to increase value of property
Costs to Tenant FromMinimum Standards Two Schools of Thought: • Rents set by vacancy rates Little effect on rents from minimum standards • Rents affected partially by costs Some offset of higher rents with lower bills (eg electricity)