onlytherent

Tasmania

A direct prohibition: a tenant cannot be charged for the payment or collection of rent.

What the law requires

Section 17(3A) of the Residential Tenancy Act 1997 prohibits a rent-collection agency from requiring a tenant to pay a fee or charge connected with collecting rent.

A rent-collection agency must not require a person, who pays, or is to pay, to the agency rent in relation to residential premises, to pay a fee or charge in relation to the rent or receiving the rent.

LegislationResidential Tenancy Act 1997 (Tas), s 17(3A) - penalty up to 50 penalty units · as in force

A rent-collection agency is defined in s 17(4) as a person or body, other than an authorised deposit-taking institution, that receives rent on behalf of an owner - which is what a rent payment platform typically is.

A tenant cannot be charged for the payment/collection of rent.

Regulator guidanceConsumer Affairs Tasmania, putting it plainly · Rent

What cannot be charged

Any fee connected with collecting rent. Section 17 also limits what an owner may require: rent in advance, a security deposit and a holding fee when entering a tenancy; and, during the tenancy, rent in advance, metered water consumption, and reasonable compensation for damage. The payment period can only be varied by agreement (s 19).

What methods must be offered

Tasmania does not prescribe particular methods in the guidance reviewed. The protection is framed as a prohibition on charges rather than a positive requirement to offer specified options.

What about inconvenient alternatives?

UnresolvedNo express convenience or availability standard was identified. The open question is whether a compulsory membership could itself be characterised as a charge connected with collecting rent.

Relevant legislation and guidance

How to dispute it

Start with the written request. If that fails, contact Consumer Affairs Tasmania on 1300 654 499, and the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (TASCAT).

Unresolved questions