Renters will have more support to flee abusive relationships under tenancy changes to overcome barriers that can trap people in dangerous living situations.
Existing provisions allow for tenancy agreements to be terminated without penalty due to domestic violence in NSW, but tweaks to the law will expand the list of “approved people” who can declare a tenant is experiencing violence.
A number of the proposed changes still require a court order, ruling from the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal or action from another regulator.
They include being able to change locks without approval from the landlord when a court order, bail or parole conditions exclude an abuser from the property.
People fleeing abuse will be able to leave a shared lease due to domestic violence without informing co-tenants.
Landlords and realtors will also need permission to use images showing a tenant’s personal belongings in advertising, to prevent the potential for perpetrators to track them down.
Renters who have been listed on residential tenancy databases will be able to go to Fair Trading to get off them by providing evidence of abuse.
The tribunal will be able to rule on whether damage to properties stemmed from incidents of abuse to prevent perpetrators dodging liability, and to break up bonds to better help survivors recover their share.
Premier Chris Minns said the changes were “common sense”, coming after consultation with abuse survivors and frontline services and aimed at making the law work better in real-life situations.
“So women and families can get out of unsafe situations quickly, without unnecessary red tape,” he said.
Domestic Violence Prevention Minister Jodie Harrison said the changes should support people leaving abusive relationships and reduce the risk of further financial harm.
“Including reducing liability for property damage and supporting them to recover their share of the rental bond,” she said.
Fair Trading Minister Anoulack Chanthivong said accessing safe and affordable housing is a critical issue for people seeking to leave an abusive relationship.
“Many victim-survivors are unable to leave abusive relationships because they have nowhere else to live,” he said.
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