Stephen Lawrence, Duty MLC for Barwon, Bathurst, Cootamundra, Dubbo and Orange, has welcomed the NSW Government delivering on its election commitment to make renting fairer by improving rental laws and strengthening community safety for renters.

Victim-survivors of domestic violence will have greater power to leave unsafe homes and protect their privacy under sweeping tenancy reforms recently passed by the NSW Parliament. Under the new laws, victim-survivors can:

  • Nominate a landlord or agent to notify other co-tenants that they are ending their lease

  • Change locks without landlord consent

  • Recover their share of rental bonds from any co-tenants

  • Reject liability for property damage caused by domestic violence

Landlords and agents will also need to meet new requirements when publishing photos or videos which reveal victim-survivors’ personal belongings.

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.

Combined with other rental reforms, including a ban on no-grounds evictions, making it easier to have pets in rentals and rent increase caps, these laws make the rental market fairer and safer for those who need it most.

Mr Lawrence said improving rental laws will also improve community safety.

“No one should have to choose between their safety and their home, and the government’s changes are making it easier for victim survivors to leave their rental home quickly and reduce risk of further financial harm," he concluded.

Further information can be obtained via the NSW Government website.