Getting a fair go as a tenant shouldn't require going to court.
In theory, tenants in the ACT have fairly strong rights. But in practice, those rights are often too hard to enforce, often require lengthy, expensive and stressful dispute processes.
For many renters, especially those already under pressure, it’s simply not realistic.
Too often, renters are left to choose between enduring unfair treatment or taking on a complex legal process they can’t afford.
And the gaps don’t stop there. There is currently no strong, independent mechanism to investigate ongoing or systemic misconduct by landlords and agents. Issues like misleading property advertising, unfair tenancy application processes, invasive inspections, tenancy database misuse, or problems that arise after a lease ends can fall through the cracks. These experiences are common - but too often go unaddressed.
We need a better way.
A Rental Ombudsman would provide a fair, accessible, and independent body to support renters, hold bad actors to account, and improve the overall health of the residential tenancy market.
Renting should be fair, transparent, and secure. A Rental Ombudsman would make that a reality.
Sign the petition to demand a Rental Ombudsman for the ACT.
