New rental laws in NSW will give domestic and family violence victim-survivors stronger protections, helping them leave unsafe homes safely and without unfair costs.
Until now, the system has worked against women seeking safety. Under the 2019 laws, victim-survivors were forced to notify all co-tenants themselves about ending a lease, which often meant telling the perpetrator directly.
They were also held liable for any damage to property, leaving many women unfairly losing their bond, with many victim-survivors forced to represent themselves at tribunal, reliving trauma while trying to argue for their own safety and justice.
The new Residential Tenancies Amendment (Domestic Violence Reform) Bill, introduced in NSW Parliament on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, and passed on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, removes many of those barriers.
What the reforms mean:
- Victim-survivors will no longer have to notify perpetrators when ending a lease due to violence, and the list of professionals who can verify abuse has been expanded, making it easier to access help quickly.
- Locks can be changed immediately where there are court or bail conditions in place.
- Consent is required before personal belongings are shown in rental advertising.
- Bonds will be divided fairly, ensuring women can recover their share.
- Victim-survivors will be protected from being blacklisted on tenancy databases when abuse is the reason behind a listing.
Sally Stevenson, Executive Director of the Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre, said the changes reflect the reality of women’s experiences.
“No woman should have to choose between staying with a violent partner or becoming homeless. These changes make it safer and more practical for women to leave when they need to, without facing extra punishment,” she said.
Domestic and family violence is the leading cause of homelessness in Australia.
In 2023–24, 39 per cent of all clients accessing Specialist Homelessness Services across Australia reported experiencing family and domestic violence.
Ms Stevenson stressed that recognising the financial impacts of violence is especially important.
“We know the financial impacts of violence can last years. By making sure women aren’t left carrying the financial burden of an abuser’s actions, these reforms give victim-survivors a fairer chance to rebuild.”
The Illawarra Women’s Trauma Recovery Centre is a one-stop place for women to heal and rebuild their lives after experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence.
To find out more about our services, contact our team on 4243 9800.