Changes to Rental Laws for Tenants Facing Domestic Violence

Residential Tenancies Amendment (Domestic Violence Reform) Bill 2025

1st House

2nd House

Law

Effects of this bill

If this bill passes, it means that:

People escaping domestic violence won’t have to tell the abuser they're leaving the shared rental, and they can end their lease without a penalty.
More trusted professionals—like counselors or advocates—will be allowed to confirm someone is experiencing domestic violence so they can break their lease safely
Survivors can change locks without asking the landlord if there's a court order or bail condition keeping the abuser out.
Landlords or agents must get the tenant’s permission before using photos or videos that show the tenant’s belongings in ads
Victims won’t have to pay for damage caused by the abuser—NSW’s tenancy tribunal (NCAT) can sort that out
NCAT can split and return rental bonds so survivors can recover their share—even if the bond was joint.

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