Independent Member for Bass Lara Alexander calls for Tassie to get up to speed for renters

From dogs to drapes, Tasmania’s independent MPs are calling for urgent changes to address the protection of tenants in Tasmania.

Independent member for Bass Lara Alexander with independent member for Lyons John Tucker. Question time in the Tasmanian parliament. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

From dogs to drapes, Tasmania’s independent MPs are calling for urgent changes to address the protection of tenants across the state.

Independent Member for Bass Lara Alexander has raised concerns for the mental health of Tasmania’s tenants, with restrictions on pet ownership causing heartbreak for many.

Making an impassioned plea to Attorney-General Elise Archer in state parliament on Tuesday, Ms Alexander called for the Tasmanian Government to align its Residential Tenancy Act with mainland states.

States such as Victoria and Queensland all allow renters to have animals unless landlords provide a good reason pets are not allowed in rental properties.

“In today’s rental property shortage, too many families or individuals are being forced to surrender their long-time animal companions to secure a roof over their heads,” she said.

“Too many Tasmanians have been forced to make a heartbreaking choice: do they surrender their beloved pet to secure a rental property or keep their pet and risk homelessness and a life on our streets?”

Ms Archer stated that it is a “balance argument” between renters and land owners to consider, but confirmed she is reviewing the situation and will consider amending the Tenancy Act if needed.

Currently, only 10 per cent of rental properties in greater Hobart will consider pets, all states in Australia except Tasmania allowing pets in rental properties or have committed to introducing amendments to allow pets.

Tenants’ Union of Tasmania principal solicitor Ben Bartl said that Tasmania has fallen behind the rest of Australia in protecting renters with pets.

“While most jurisdictions allow pets unless the landlord has a good reason for their refusal, Tasmania continues to prohibit any and all pets in rental properties unless the landlord agrees,” he said.

“We urgently need law reform so that renters do not have to give up their pets in order to put a roof over their head.”

Meanwhile, independent MP David O’Byrne pushed for an amendment to the Tenancy Act to require social housing providers to ensure minimum window coverings for windows and bedrooms, the bill later passed through the Lower House

“This is a reasonable step to ensure that when families who are in pretty tough circumstances finally get access to social housing, they can get in with some level of dignity,” Mr O’Byrne said.