Changes to the Residential Tenancy Regulations

If an employee pays for their accommodation on a farm the relationship is covered by the Residential Tenancy legislation. For several years Primary Employers Tasmania has pushed for farm accommodation for workers to be exempt from the Act as it is in Victoria and New South Wales.

We have had the support of Fruit Growers Tasmania, Wine Tasmania and TasFarmers in this regard. The Tasmanian Government is now looking to change the regulations for housing on farms to remove the statutory notice period for removing an employee from on-farm housing. This means that the notice period to vacate accommodation will be as agreed between the employer and the employee when they enter into the contract of employment. The change will happen from 20 September, 2024.

It should be noted that the legislation does not apply when the accommodation is provided without charge.

Primary Employers Tasmania can assist in drawing up residential occupancy agreements to meet the requirements you have in relation to the provision of housing to employees.