Thursday, 7 July 2016
MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall has welcomed news that victims of domestic violence will receive greater protections under proposed changes to the State’s residential tenancies laws.
Mr Marshall said that currently victims of domestic violence on a fixed lease seeking to terminate a tenancy had to give 14 days’ notice to their landlord, with potential liabilities, and provide them with a final AVO which can take months to obtain.
“This is an unacceptable and often burdensome process for people living in dangerous situations,” Mr Marshall said.
“Under the prosed changes, tenant in this situation will be able to terminate residential tenancy agreements immediately by providing evidence of domestic violence through a provisional, interim or final AVO, or court order.
“The changes will also ensure domestic violence victims are not penalised for property damaged or rental debt caused by a violent partner.
“Landlords and Agents will be prohibited from listing victims on tenancy databases holding such information.”
The reforms follow a review of the Residential Tenancies Act 2010, which included public consultation.
Mr Marshall said the new laws would provide victims with certainty that they won’t be penalised in future rental applications.
“They also include stronger safety measures as a provisional AVO can be obtained quickly without court hearings,” he said.
“The new laws are expected to be introduced into Parliament during the first half of 2017.”
Further information is available on the website www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au