Housing – common issues, how to refer and where to get more info.

Housing issues are one of the most common legal issues we see at Recovery Centres. Housing issues are problems that arise for clients who are renting their home, either through a social housing provider or a private rental.  

The main Issues include:  

Uninhabitable property  

Termination - If the property is wholly uninhabitable following a disaster, both a tenant or a landlord can issue a termination notice. Note the landlord cannot terminate the tenancy without an order from NCAT. 

Rental arrears 

Rent abatement – where a property is wholly or partly uninhabitable, a tenants rent will abate for the period until the property becomes habitable.  

Rent reduction – where a tenant has asked the landlord to conduct repairs and they have failed to do so; the tenant can ask for a rent reduction.  

Clean up and repairs 

Tenants should notify their landlord in writing of repairs needed. Tenants should collect evidence of the issues including photographs, quotes and attempts to contact the landlord.  

Urgent repairs – tenants can authorise urgent repairs up to $1,000 where a landlord has not responded to requests for urgent repairs.  

Referrals and more information 

• Application to NCAT –  NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal
• Apply to NCAT online Apply online (nsw.gov.au) 
• Tenants' union website Home | Tenants' Union – type in your postcode at the bottom of the page to find your local tenancy service.  
• To find out who is currently in the housing team and who you can contact to discuss a matter or talk about a referral please check the housing intranet homepage.