Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Landlord and Tenant law in Canberra, Australia, is a set of legal rules that govern rental housing and lease agreements. These laws were put in place to protect both landlords and tenants by outlining each party's rights, duties, and responsibilities. The regulations are detailed in the Residential Tenancies Act 1997.
You might need a lawyer because landlord and tenant disputes can become complicated. Issues such as breach of lease agreement, eviction, rent payment disputes, bond disputes, and repair issues are common. A lawyer can help resolve these issues in accordance with the law and ensure your rights are respected. Also, a lawyer could help in understanding complex legal terms and conditions used in lease agreement contracts.
Canberra's local laws are targeted to secure rights and outline responsibilities of both the landlord and tenants. Key issues covered include security deposits, property maintenance, termination of leases, and eviction procedures. Disputes are handled by the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT).
In Canberra, the law states that it's the landlord's responsibility to maintain the property. If necessary repairs aren't performed, a tenant can provide written notice outlining the issues. If no action is taken within a reasonable time, the tenant can apply to ACAT for orders that the repairs be performed.
A landlord cannot just increase the rent anytime as per their wish. There are strict rules that they must follow under the residential tenancies law. These include giving the tenant proper notice of the rental increase and ensuring that the increase is not excessive.
No. A landlord cannot evict a tenant without a valid reason as outlined by the local laws. These may include non-payment of rent or violation of the rental agreement terms.
If a tenant leaves before the end of the lease term without cause, they can be held responsible for the rent for the remaining lease term or until the landlord finds a new tenant. They may also be responsible for any costs incurred by the landlord in finding a new tenant.
The bond should be returned at the end of the tenancy unless the landlord makes a valid claim such as unpaid rent or damage to the property. If there's a dispute around the return of the bond, either party can apply to ACAT for resolution.
The ACT Government, through the Access Canberra website, provides comprehensive resources and advice for both landlords and tenants. The ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) is also a valuable tool for dispute resolution. Legal Aid ACT may also provide assistance in some instances.
If you require legal assistance in a landlord and tenant matter, it's advisable to seek advice from a lawyer or legal aid service. A qualified legal professional can guide you through the situation and ensure all procedures are correctly followed.
