Domestic violence residential tenancy law changes
On 11 December 2020, further changes to domestic violence tenancy laws started.
From this date, more professionals can help tenants escape a domestic violence situation in a rented home by making a declaration.
A tenant can end their fixed-term or periodic tenancy immediately and without penalty if they or their dependent child is in a domestic violence situation.
To do this, a tenant needs to give their landlord or agent a termination notice and certain evidence.
Since February 2019, medical practitioners could make a declaration as evidence that a tenant is in a domestic violence situation.
Starting 11 December 2020, a wider range of professionals, known as competent persons, can also make a declaration:
health practitioners who hold general or specialist registration under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (NSW). For example nurses, psychologists, paramedics, physiotherapists and more
social workers who are a member of the Australian Association of Social Workers
NSW government employees working in child protection
employees of non-government agencies that receive government funding to provide services for victims of domestic violence/sexual assault or refuge/emergency accommodation
approved counsellors under the Victims Rights and Support Act 2013.
The changes will ensure that tenants who are in this situation can seek help from a broader range of professionals.
For more info please visit https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/about-fair-trading/legislation-and-publications/changes-to-legislation/changes-to-the-residential-tenancy-laws
Comments