Disability and exclusion in social housing: what difference does human rights legislation make?

Human rights legislation enacted in the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria and Queensland seeks to protect fundamental human rights, including the right to home. However, residential tenancy laws in these jurisdictions often permit eviction of public and social housing tenants for 'objectionable' behaviour. This can include conduct arising from a tenant's disability. This article examines human rights aspects of this legislation and its interpretation, including various types of discrimination and interference with the right to home.