New resources and updated forms for domestic and family violence provisions

Abstract

On 20 October 2021, the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (the Act) was amended to provide options for people experiencing domestic and family violence who need to leave a tenancy.

These changes, coupled with existing protections in the Act, support tenants experiencing domestic and family violence to end a tenancy quickly, or if they choose, to remain in the rental property safely.

A person who experiences domestic and family violence in a rental property has rights under the Act, even if they are not named on the tenancy agreement.

To help customers understand the options and processes for people experiencing domestic and family violence in a rental property, the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) has published additional resources and information including:

• a podcast episode in Talking Tenancies
• domestic and family violence information factsheets for tenants and residents to explain the process and legislative requirements on costs, confidentiality and changing locks
• a Bond refund for persons experiencing domestic and family violence factsheet to clarify the bond refund process when a tenant/resident leaves the property due to domestic and family violence
• domestic and family violence in a rental property webpage.