Your rights if you are homeless or at risk of homelessness

The Tasmanian Homelessness Charter has been developed to ensure all If you are homeless, or may become homeless, you have rights.Tasmanians who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness are aware of what rights they have when accessing services and what they can expect when they ask for help.

Clients have the right to:

  • be treated with dignity and respect
  • be treated fairly
  • privacy and confidentiality
  • a reasonable standard of health and well being
  • information you need to make your own choices
  • be treated without discrimination, and
  • be part of our community.

Your rights and responsibilities as a social housing tenant

As a tenant within public, Aboriginal or community housing you have the same rights and obligations as private tenants.

This includes:

  • paying your rent on time
  • keeping the property and yards in good condition
  • being a good neighbour.

More information can be found on the Consumer, Building and Occupational Services website and Homes Tasmania’s Information for tenants pages.

Homes Tasmania is committed to providing a high level of customer service to all clients. This includes making sure clients have access to the information they need about how decisions are made and the right of complaint and appeal.

If you are unhappy with the service you have received from Homes Tasmania or think Homes Tasmania has not met its responsibilities you have a right to make a complaint or provide feedback by phoning 1300 665 663.

Your rights and responsibilities as a landlord

Landlords have rights and responsibilities under residential tenancy law. This applies to any property where the right to live in the property is given to the tenant by the owner in exchange for rent.

There are now minimum standards for rental properties as well as requirements for the lodging of bonds.

More detailed information for both landlords and tenants is available on the Renting in Tasmania website.

Your rights and responsibilities when buying or selling a home

If you are buying a house the Consumer, Building and Occupational Services 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.

More information