PLEASE NOTE: There have been significant changes to rental laws in NSW since this episode was published. For the latest updates, visit the Tenants' Union of NSW's website and listen to our podcast episode about the changes.

Click here for a transcript of this podcast.

This is the third episode in our series called “Renting Matters”, which explores all aspects of tenancy and other living arrangements, such as boarding or lodging and living in a Land Lease Community in NSW. This series is a joint project between the Tenants’ Union of New South Wales (“TU”) and Legal Aid NSW.

In this episode, “Get me outta here”, Bridget from the Community Legal Education Branch speaks to guests about the different circumstances in which tenants leave a tenancy. Bridget speaks to Amanda , a Tenants’ Advocate with the Northern Rivers Tenants’ Advice and Advocacy Service (NORTAAS) about these situations, including leaving because of domestic violence. We also hear from Jemima, Policy and Advocacy Coordinator with the TU who talks about getting your bond back. There is useful information in this episode about how community workers can support clients leaving because of domestic violence and for other reasons.

Use the links below to find out more information about what we talked about in this episode, including resources about domestic and family violence.

Tenants’ Union of New South Wales tenants.org.au - Look for the tile on You want to leave or for lots more resources, click here.

On the Tenants’ Union website are these fact sheets and resources:

Sample letters:

RESOURCES RELATED TO DOMESTIC & FAMILY VIOLENCE

If you are experiencing domestic and family violence call 1800RESPECT. 1800 737 732.

This is a 24-hour national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line for any Australian who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault.

For information about changes to the Residential Tenancies Act about domestic violence and emergency accommodation:

See the Fair Trading website for declaration by a competent person about domestic violence and for information about who is a “competent person”:

For information about changing the locks for security when a co-tenant has left due to domestic violence, click here.

Services:

For information about Men’s behaviour change program MEND - Men exploring New Directions see:

Music: Fata Morgana by Yemanjo

Editing by Tiffany Dimmack and Glen Morrow from Audiocraft

Please send questions, comments and feedback to [email protected]

Disclaimer: This podcast is a general guide to the law. You should not rely on it as legal advice. We recommend that you talk to a lawyer about any particular situation. The information is correct at the time of publishing but it may change. For more information, start with our team at LawAccess NSW via webchat at www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au or on 1300 888 529.