Victim-survivors of domestic violence will have greater power to leave unsafe homes and protect their privacy under sweeping tenancy reforms passed by the NSW Parliament yesterday evening.
Under the new laws, victim-survivors will no longer need to notify people they share a lease with that they are leaving. To remove this dangerous and stressful obligation from victim-survivors, a landlord or agent will instead be responsible for notifying other co-tenants that a victim-survivor is ending their lease after they have safely left the property.
Victim-survivors will also now have broader rights to change locks without landlord consent to better ensure their safety. Landlords and agents will also need to meet new requirements when publishing photos or videos which reveal personal belongings to reduce the risk of further harm to victim-survivors.
Financial independence is also front and centre of the reforms, with new laws offering an easier pathway for victim-survivors to recover their share of the rental bond from any co-tenants and improved protections against being held liable for property damage caused by domestic violence which can keep people trapped in harm's way.
The changes also crack down on unfair tenancy database listings by strengthening the existing ban on listing victim-survivors and introducing a simpler process to remove incorrect entries.
NSW Fair Trading undertook extensive consultation with more than 400 individuals and 40 organisations as part of a review which considered how domestic violence provisions for renters are used and if improvements were needed.
For more information, please visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-construction/renting-a-place-to-live/domestic-violence-a-rental-property
Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said:
"For too long, rental laws didn't reflect the realities facing domestic violence victim-survivors across New South Wales. Today, that changes.
"With these reforms the Minns Labor Government has sent a clear message to victim-survivors that we have heard you, and we support you.
"This is about removing barriers that have kept people trapped in unsafe living situations and replacing them with practical, compassionate protections which put safety first."
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:
"Often victim-survivors have to make the impossible choice between safety and a home.
"These reforms make sure they won't have to anymore. They prioritise the safety of women and children escaping abuse, making sure they can remain in their rentals if they want to, or leave without their safety being compromised and facing a financial penalty.
"We thank the victim-survivors and advocates for their tireless advocacy and will continue to work with them as we build a safer New South Wales for everyone."
NSW Rental Commissioner Trina Jones said:
"These reforms give victim-survivors the confidence and clarity they need to leave unsafe homes without fear or financial penalty."
"We've worked closely with frontline services and the community to make sure these changes are practical and life changing."
"These laws mean victim-survivors can act quickly to protect themselves and their families without worrying about unfair costs or privacy risks."
