Renting Matters (Series)

Renting Matters: Episode 2 - Cracks Emerge

A transcript of this episode can be found here. 
This is the second episode in our series called “Renting Matters”, which explores all aspects of tenancy and other living arrangements, such as boarding or lodging and living in a Land Lease Community in NSW. This series is a joint project between the Tenants’ Union of New South Wales (“TU”) and Legal Aid NSW.
In this episode, “Cracks Emerge”, Bridget from the Community Legal Education Branch explores problems that arise during a tenancy, including issues about privacy; access to the property by the landlord or agent; repairs; security and utilities. We speak to Olivia, a Tenants’ Advocate with the TU, about the sorts of issues people call the TU and other tenancy services about once they are in a tenancy. We also speak to Merrilyn, who volunteers on the TU advice line and who also works supporting clients with disabilities, including supporting them to maintain their tenancies when problems arise. There is useful information in this episode about how community workers can help clients address issues that arise during a tenancy.
Use the links below to find out more information about what we talked about in this episode.
Tenants’ Union of New South Wales tenants.org.au - Look for the tiles on Repairs and utilities and Privacy, access and security .
You can also enter your or your client’s postcode at the bottom of the pages of the Tenants’ Union website to find your closest local tenancy service.
On the Tenants’ Union website are these fact sheets:
Bond
Repairs and Maintenance
Locks and security
Access and privacy
NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal
Smoke Alarms
Disaster Damage
Utilities
Mould
Asbestos and Lead
Access
Sample Letters
Repairs Before Tenancy
Repairs
Urgent Repairs
Reimbursement for urgent repairs
Repairs to be carried out by owners corp
Unpaid water charges
Invalid water usage - efficiancy
Rent reduction
For Pests & vermin see the Fair Trading website.
For information about the National Disability Insurance Scheme see:
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
For information on Embedded Networks:
Embedded network consumer | Australian Energy Regulator (aer.gov.au)
Embedded networks on ABC's 7.30 Report | Tenants' Union
Tenants' Union embedded network blog post “Hummmmm” 
LawAccess 1300 888 529 has useful information and links on its website about tenancy:
 
Music: Fata Morgana by Yemanjo
Editing by Tiffany Dimmack from Audiocraft
Please send questions, comments and feedback to cle@legalaid.nsw.gov.au
 
Disclaimer: This podcast is a general guide to the law. You should not rely on it as legal advice. We recommend that you talk to a lawyer about any particular situation. The information is correct at the time of publishing but it may change. For more information, start with our team at LawAccess NSW via webchat at www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au or on 1300 888 529. 

Renting Matters: Episode 1 - Getting a Foot in the Door

This is the first episode in a series called Renting Matters, which explores all aspects of tenancy and other living arrangements, such as boarding or lodging and living in a Land Lease Community in NSW. This series is a joint project between the Tenants’ Union of New South Wales and Legal Aid NSW.
In this episode, Getting A Foot in the Door, Bridget from the Community Legal Education Branch explores applying for a new tenancy in NSW. We speak to Grant Arbuthnot, Principal Solicitor of the Tenants’ Union about things to look out for when you are starting a tenancy. We also speak to Amity, a tenant in Sydney who has been renting for many years and has some great tips about looking for a new place to rent. There is useful information in this episode about how community workers can help clients looking for a new place to live.
 
Disclaimer: This podcast is a general guide to the law. You should not rely on it as legal advice. We recommend that you talk to a lawyer about any particular situation. The information is correct at the time of publishing but it may change. For more information, start with our team at LawAccess NSW via webchat at www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au or on 1300 888 529. 
 
Use the links below to find out more information about what we talked about in this episode.
Tenants’ Union of New South Wales tenants.org.au - Look for the tile on Starting a Tenancy.
You can also enter your or your client’s postcode at the bottom of the pages of the Tenants’ Union website to find your closest local tenancy service.
On the Tenants’ Union website are these useful resources and fact sheets about applying for a tenancy:
Factsheet 01: The Residential Tenancies Act
Factsheet 02: Starting a tenancy
Factsheet 03: Bond
The Rent Tracker Tool
See Legal Aid’s website for information about when clients can get help with housing matters:
Legal help for tenants appealing Tribunal orders about your housing - Legal Aid NSW
LawAccess 1300 888 529 has useful information and links on its website about tenancy:
https://www.lawaccess.nsw.gov.au/Pages/Search.aspx?k=Tenancy%20LALanguage%3Den%2a&lang=0 
 
Music: Fata Morgana by Yemanjo
Editing by Tiffany Dimmack from Audiocraft
Please send questions, comments and feedback to cle@legalaid.nsw.gov.au
For a transcript of this podcast, click here.