Rental vacancy rates have remained low in Canberra.

Sitting at 0.7 %, the low vacancy rate has pushed rent up 16.4 % in the last year.

Experts say not enough is being done to protect Canberra tenants from unfair agreements and financial losses.

Tenants say they fear retribution from landlords after maintenance requests.

Property Management Committee at the Real Estate Institute of the ACT Chair Craig Bright says there is a provision under the act for retaliatory behaviour.