At RWC Central West, keeping our landlords, tenants, and the broader community informed about legislative changes is a top priority. On 21 September 2026, significant reforms to the NSW residential tenancy laws regarding domestic abuse will officially commence.
Stemming from the recent statutory review of the Residential Tenancies Act, these amendments are designed to provide stronger protections, greater financial security, and enhanced privacy for victim-survivors of domestic violence.
Whether you are an investor relying on us to manage your asset or a tenant renting through our agency, it is important to understand how these changes shape the future of property management in New South Wales. Here is a breakdown of what is changing, why it matters, and how RWC Central West is adapting to ensure ongoing compliance.
Domestic and family violence remains a widespread and critical issue across our communities. To understand why these new legislative protections are so vital, it is important to recognize the scale of the problem in our state:
Prevalence: It is estimated that 1 in 4 women (27%) and 1 in 8 men (12%) will experience violence by an intimate partner or family member during their lifetime.
Housing Impact: A lack of safe, secure housing is one of the most significant barriers for those fleeing abuse. In a single year, over 18,000 people—accounting for 38% of all individuals seeking Specialist Homelessness Services in NSW—reported domestic and family violence as the primary reason they needed assistance.
Vulnerability: According to data recorded by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR), 2 in 3 victims of domestic assault are female, and 1 in 8 are young people.
These figures highlight exactly why removing the barriers to escaping violence – such as the fear of being chased for property damage, being unable to change locks, or losing bond money – is so crucial.
The new reforms introduce several critical changes to how residential tenancies involving domestic abuse are managed. Key updates include:
1. Protection from Property Damage Liability
Victim-survivors will receive new protections ensuring they are not held financially responsible for property damage caused by a perpetrator during an incident of domestic abuse.
2. Stricter Rules for Property Photography
To protect the privacy and safety of those fleeing domestic violence, there are new requirements governing property photography. This includes stricter guidelines on the advertising of property photographs and visual recordings that could inadvertently compromise a tenant’s safety or location.
3. Faster Lock and Security Alterations
The safety of tenants is paramount. The new laws introduce changes to when and how locks and security devices can be altered, removing red tape so victims can secure their homes quickly and safely.
4. An Expanded “Competent Person” Framework
To end a tenancy without penalty on the grounds of domestic violence, a tenant must provide a declaration. The reforms expand the range of “competent persons” who can sign these declarations (such as medical professionals, social workers, and specialized support workers) and update the specific declaration requirements, making the process more accessible for those in crisis.
5. Enhanced Confidentiality Requirements
Property managers and landlords will be subject to stronger confidentiality requirements regarding a tenant’s domestic abuse situation, ensuring sensitive information is tightly controlled and not improperly disclosed.
6. Updated Domestic Abuse Termination Notices
When a victim-survivor issues a domestic abuse termination notice to end their lease, the procedures for handling the remaining tenants will change. This includes new mandatory notification requirements for the remaining co-tenants and the introduction of temporary rent adjustments in certain circumstances to prevent immediate financial hardship.
7. Fairer Co-Tenant Rental Bond Arrangements
The standard residential tenancy agreement will now include new fields specifically designed to record each individual tenant’s bond contribution from the outset. This change is paired with updated repayment and dispute provisions to ensure perpetrators cannot claim a victim-survivor’s share of the rental bond.
8. Updated Terminology, Forms, and Penalties
Across the board, the legislation features updated terminology to better reflect modern understandings of domestic abuse, alongside newly standardized forms and updated penalties for non-compliance.
For Landlords:
You do not need to take any immediate action. At RWC Central West, our property management team is proactively updating our policies, procedures, and workflows. We are training our staff on the expanded competent person framework, the new bond recording requirements, and the strict confidentiality rules to ensure your property remains 100% compliant with the new legislation.
For Tenants:
These laws offer vital protections if you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse. They ensure that your physical safety, financial stability, and privacy are prioritized by the legal system and your property managers.
Where to Seek Help
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, you are not alone. Safe, professional help and support are available:
In an Emergency: Call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
NSW Domestic Violence Line: Call 1800 65 64 63 (1800 656 463). This service is open 24/7 for counseling, information, and referrals.
1800RESPECT: Call 1800 737 732 or visit 1800respect.org.au for the national domestic, family, and sexual violence counseling service (24/7).
Link2home (Homelessness & Housing Support): Call 1800 152 152. Available 24/7 for assessment and referral to homelessness services and temporary accommodation across NSW.
MensLine Australia: Call 1300 78 99 78 for telephone and online counseling for men with emotional health and relationship concerns.
We Are Here to Help
Navigating tenancy laws can be complex, but RWC Central West is here to guide you through it. We are committed to fostering safe, secure, and legally compliant tenancies for everyone in our community.
If you have any questions about how these upcoming changes on 21 September 2026 may affect your lease or your investment property, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your RWC Central West Property Manager today.
For more information on the legislative changes, you can view the official details via the NSW Parliament Bill Details or read the Report on the statutory review of the domestic violence provisions in the Residential Tenancies Act.
Demystifying the Retail Lease: A Practical Blueprint for Business Owners Navigating a commercial retail lease is one of the most critical financial commitments a business owner will undertake. Between calculating base rent versus turnover rent, defining operational outgoings, and managing fit-out timelines, the commercial leasing process involves complex financial and legal frameworks that directly impact … […]
Taking home the title of ‘No. 1 Office for Property Management Growth’ and reflecting on the power of the Ray White Commercial network. There is nothing quite like the energy of a room filled with industry leaders, all driven by a shared commitment to commercial excellence. Last week, we travelled to Sydney for the 2026 … […]