Tasmanian landlord lobby group emerges after COVID hit

Hundreds of Tasmanian landlords who are frustrated with being unable to recoup rental payments throughout the COVID-19 pandemic have formed a new lobby group. SEE HOW TO JOIN >>

• Landlords out $10k, can’t evict tenant
• Time running out for cash-strapped tenants

A NEWLY minted advocacy body for Tasmanian landlords will provide a voice for an otherwise unrepresented group.

The Tasmanian Residential Rental Property Owners was incorporated in response to the growing number of landlords carrying the cost of missed rental payments due to changed tenancy rules.

In July, the state government introduced changes to residential tenancies including a rent freeze and a ban on evictions for tenants facing financial hardship during the pandemic.

The result is an escalation in rental arrears across the state, a burden currently shouldered by private individuals.

Association president Louise Elliot said the need for the organisation was evident after her facegroup page for Tasmanian rental property owners reached 500 members.

“We get genuine landlords joining every day. Many are beside themselves and emotionally exhausted after trying to recoup lost rental payments, and most don’t have the resources to take their fight through the courts,” Mrs Elliot said.

Tasmania was the first state to ban evictions during the pandemic and has placed a freeze on rent rises.

Tenants’ Union of Tasmania acting principal solicitor Ben Bartl said while the protections were put in place to assist tenants, the intention was never to disadvantage landlords.

He said the new advocacy group will bring rental property owners to the table.

“There isn’t currently a specific landlord investor voice and this organisation will bring that different voice to the debate,” he said.

For more information, head to the Tasmanian Residental Rental Property Owners Association website.