Domestic and family violence protections

From 20 October 2021, renters experiencing domestic and family violence:

• can leave immediately (after giving 7 days notice) and access any bond contribution they made
• are not liable for property damage caused by domestic and family violence
• are not liable for costs relating to reletting the premises
• any remaining co-renters can be asked to top-up the bond by the property owner or manager
• can change the locks to the property without requiring the owner’s consent to ensure their safety
• must provide documentation to support their claim and property owners, managers and their employees must not disclose this information (except where permitted) and may be subject to penalties if they do so.

From 6 June 2024:

• a co-renter may apply to QCAT for an order to be recognised as the sole renter if another person in their household – with whom they have an intimate, family or informal care relationship – has used domestic and family violence
• rental property owners and managers must not disclose any personal information about vacating renters who are experiencing domestic and family violence, including any evidence that supports a notice ending the tenancy.