New domestic violence (DV) tenancy reforms in New South Wales have now been passed and are being rolled out from late 2025 into 2026. The Residential Tenancies Amendment (Domestic Violence Reform) Bill 2025 was introduced to Parliament in September 2025 and passed in October 2025, marking one of the most significant updates to the state’s rental laws in years. These new protections reshape how landlords and property managers must respond when a tenant is experiencing domestic violence.
The aim of the reforms is clear: to give victim survivors greater safety, privacy, and financial fairness when leaving an unsafe home. As a landlord, understanding these changes is essential.
1. Immediate Lease Termination Rights
One of the most significant changes is that victim survivors can now end a tenancy immediately without penalty, and crucially, without notifying the alleged perpetrator, even if they are a cotenant. Notification will instead be handled by the landlord or managing agent after the tenant has safely left. The reforms also expand the list of professionals who can verify domestic violence, making it easier to access these protections quickly.
For landlords, this means terminations related to DV must be processed promptly and compassionately, recognising the tenant’s legal right to exit immediately.
2. Lock Changes Without Approval
Under the new laws, tenants may change the locks without landlord consent if there is a relevant court order, bail condition, or parole condition preventing the perpetrator from accessing the property.
Landlords should expect to be notified of the lock change but must not interfere with the tenant’s safety measures.
3. Strict New Privacy Rules
Landlords and agents must now seek explicit permission before using photos or videos that include a tenant’s belongings in advertising. This reduces the risk of a perpetrator identifying the tenant’s location.
This may require new photography or careful editing before relisting a property.
4. Tenants Not Liable for DV Related Damage
Another key reform clarifies that victim survivors cannot be held liable for property damage caused during an incident of domestic violence. NCAT can make determinations in these cases.
Landlords should be prepared to rely on insurance rather than bond deductions in such situations.
5. Fairer Bond Arrangements
NCAT now has the power to split a bond so a victim survivor can recover their share even if cotenants remain or disputes exist.
What Landlords Should Do Now
With these reforms now being implemented, landlords should review policies, update processes, and work closely with their property manager to ensure compliance. These laws prioritise tenant safety – and understanding them protects landlords too.
Warm regards,
Betty Drennan | Director
Morton Property Management