International Tenants' Day
Date: 07-Oct-2013
Capacity: Not Set (0% booked)
Details
Approximately one third of the ACT population are tenants. Most people experience renting at least once in their lifetimes, regardless of background or situation. More and more people are staying in rental properties longer for a variety of reasons.
The month of October is a significant month in terms of tenancy, both in the ACT and internationally. On the first Monday of October, International Tenants Day is celebrated around the world, and Canberra celebrates with an Art Show and competition highlighting the works of people renting their homes.
History
International Tenants Day originated in 1986 when the French tenant organisation CNL proposed a special world day for tenants. The council of the International Union of Tenants agreed, and decided that it coincide with World Habitat Day (the first Monday in October). On this day throughout the world housing and tenancy issues are promoted and expounded. Issues such as rights for tenants, affordable rental, and tenant participation in all matters related to housing highlight the universality of tenancy.
Each year, events are held across the globe to mark International Tenants’ Day and act as a prompt to tenants to be aware of their rights and for the wider community to be aware of tenancy issues.
ITD in the ACT...
In the ACT, this day coincides not only with the Labour Day long weekend, but also school holidays. In order to ensure the maximum exposure and involvement with the community we in the ACT concentrate our energies on our art show. Organisations involved in its planning and operation include the Tenants’ Union ACT, ACT Shelter, Welfare Rights and Legal Centre and Housing ACT.
Since 1995 TUACT has held events aimed at highlighting tenancy issues and promoting the different forms of tenancy in the ACT and the services available to tenants.
ITD is intended to celebrate the role of tenants in the ACT community and promote tenants’ and the wider community’s awareness of:
- Tenancy rights and responsibilities;
- Where to go for tenancy advice and information;
- Tenancy issues; and
- How to affect change regarding tenancy and housing.