Renters in the Northern Territory often face an uphill battle to get a fair go from their landlords, according to Darwin Community Legal Service Co-ordinator, Ms Caitlin Perry.

 

“Tenants deserve a fairer go” said Ms Perry today. “There is an enormous difference in power between landlords and tenants. We need to do more to assist these vulnerable Territorians.”

 

Ms Perry noted that a tenant who can’t speak English is not entitled to be represented before a Commissioner of Tenancies inquiry unless the landlord agrees.

 

“These hearings may result in the making of an order to evict a tenant who has no understanding of the process. Yet, if the matter went to court, the tenant in question would be entitled to legal representation. This doesn’t make any sense.”

 

These comments were made as the Darwin Community Legal Service announced that it would offer a ‘drop-in’ tenancy advice service to assist tenants who were in dispute.

 

Landlords too will benefit from this service, since tenants making wild claims will be advised that they have little chance of success.

 

Tenants who would like to avail themselves of free legal advice prior to attending a hearing, should contact the Darwin Community Legal Service on 1800 812 953 and make an appointment to talk with a lawyer.

 

“This new service will make the system fairer and more efficient for all concerned” concluded Ms Perry.

 

 

For media comment: Caitlin Perry 0409 660 734 (Darwin)