Tenancy & Living

A Place to Call Home: Episode 2 - North Coast Community Housing – Together Homes

This is Part 2 in our podcast series exploring homelessness in Australia and the legal issues people experience when they are homeless or at risk of homelessness.  During this series we will be speaking to people from different services providing support and legal advice to those experiencing homelessness.  
In this 2nd episode, Bridget from the Community Legal Education Branch speaks to Damian Bozanic from North Coast Community Housing about the Together Homes programme that supports people who are rough sleeping transition into housing. 
There is useful information in this episode about how community workers working with rough sleepers can support these clients. 
 
Use the links below to find out more information about what we talked about in this episode. 
Together Home is a key initiative to support the Premier’s Priority to halve street homelessness by 2025. 
https://www.facs.nsw.gov.au/housing/help/ways/are-you-homeless/together-home 
Together Home program guidelines: https://www.facs.nsw.gov.au/download?file=812695  
Fact sheet for service providers: https://www.facs.nsw.gov.au/download?file=812803  
Fact sheet for participants: https://www.facs.nsw.gov.au/download?file=812804  
Together Home FAQs https://www.facs.nsw.gov.au/download?file=812805  
 
North Coast Community Housing 
https://www.ncch.org.au/  
Ph. 02 66275300 
Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/S4kDf5fNKnub-_CRb-5303CcdQE?
Editing by Yasmine Lewis from Legal Aid NSW 
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. 

A Place to Call Home: Episode 6 - Prisoners Entering or Leaving Custody

This is Part 6 in our podcast series exploring homelessness in Australia and the legal issues people experience when they are homeless or at risk of homelessness.  During this series we will be speaking to people from different services providing support and legal advice to those experiencing homelessness and to people with lived experience of homelessness.
We acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which this episode was made and pay our respects to Elders past and present.
In this 6th episode, Bridget from the Community Legal Education Branch speaks to Olivia who works in Legal Aid NSW’s homeless outreach service.  Olivia works with many clients who are at risk of homelessness when they are going into custody or when leaving custody.
There is useful information in this episode about how community workers can support people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Use the links below to find out more information about what we talked about in this episode.
Department of Communities and Justice housing policies:
https://www.facs.nsw.gov.au/housing/help/eligibility/social-housing
https://www.facs.nsw.gov.au/housing/help
https://www.facs.nsw.gov.au/housing/help/applying-assistance/applying
https://www.facs.nsw.gov.au/housing/policies/social-housing-eligibility-allocations-policy-supplement/chapters/urgent-housing-needs
https://www.facs.nsw.gov.au/housing/policies/social-housing-eligibility-allocations-policy-supplement/chapters/housing-evidence
https://www.facs.nsw.gov.au/housing/community-housing-policies/transitional-plus
https://www.facs.nsw.gov.au/housing/aboriginal-housing/overview
https://www.facs.nsw.gov.au/housing/help/ways/are-you-homeless/together-home
https://www.facs.nsw.gov.au/housing/help/applying-assistance/waiting-times
https://www.facs.nsw.gov.au/housing/help/ways/domestic-family-violence
 Transcript: Download transcript
Music: Warm Romance Sunset by Bobby Cole
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. 

Strata for Starters - Marrickville LC Strata Collective Sales and Advocacy Service

Strata Collective Sales and Advocacy Service
This episode talks about being a tenant in a strata managed property and being an owner living in a strata managed property.
Marrickville Legal Centre offers free legal advice and assistance to the community of the inner-west, south-west, southern suburbs of Sydney, and beyond. There are 1.5 million people living in our key catchment: that’s 30 per cent of Sydney’s total population.
They acknowledge the Gadigal, Wangal, Guringal, Wallumedegai and Cammeraygal people of the Eora Nation as the first peoples of our region.
In 1979, a group of law students identified a gap in accessible legal services in the inner west of Sydney. Together they established a free legal advice service in a small office in Marrickville Town Hall. The service was staffed on a voluntary basis and specifically targeted the local migrant community. The community response was overwhelming and so marked the creation of NSW’s second community legal centre, two years after Redfern Legal Centre.
Office:  338 Illawarra Road Marrickville NSW 2204
Website: Home - Marrickville Legal Centre (mlc.org.au)
Contact Us: Contact - Marrickville Legal Centre (mlc.org.au)
Phone: (02) 9559 2899
Strata Service: Strata - Marrickville Legal Centre (mlc.org.au)
Factsheets: Factsheets - Marrickville Legal Centre (mlc.org.au)
Newsletter: Get involved - Marrickville Legal Centre (mlc.org.au)  (bottom of the page)
Today, Marrickville Legal Centre has grown its reach to extend legal and related services to over 7000 New South Wales residents each year. Our holistic approach continues to pair direct legal guidance with a broader range of social services, helping people to move forward into a secure future, and we strive to drive policy advocacy in our legal system that instigates meaningful social change.
Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/MS3f6d5bai5NgNlx2KS1FMsE1gI?utm_source=copy_url
 
Acknowledgments
The music in our Law for Community Workers on the go podcasts is Blue Highway by Podington Bear licensed under Creative Commons: Attribution Non-Commercial 3.0 Licence https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/
Legal Aid NSW has met all our legal copyright and intellectual property obligations in the preparation of these podcasts.
 
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. 
 

Spotlight On the Homeless Persons Legal Service

The Homeless Persons’ Legal Service (HPLS) provides people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness with practical legal assistance. Informed by our casework and consumer feedback, we also address causes of homelessness through strategic engagement and policy advocacy with government and service providers.
They have recently launched the Women’s Homelessness Prevention Service (WHPS), which aims to help women at risk of homelessness, particularly women experiencing domestic and family violence.
You can visit the HPLS website here: Homelessness (HPLS) | Public Interest Advocacy Centre (piac.asn.au) or call them on: (02) 8898 6545 or Email on: homelessproject@piac.asn.au
You can find the referral form here: 22.05.24-HPLS-Referral-Form.docx (live.com)
You can find all the outreach locations using this link: Clinic times & locations | Public Interest Advocacy Centre (piac.asn.au)
You can read more about the Street Care Team here: StreetCare | Public Interest Advocacy Centre (piac.asn.au)
You can Subscribe to the PIAC Newsletter here: Subscribe | Public Interest Advocacy Centre (piac.asn.au)
 
Link to the show Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/jfVShl1QW-Wp4QvpyT9KHzmv9Ik
 
Acknowledgments
The music in our Law for Community Workers podcasts is Blue Highway by Podington Bear licensed under Creative Commons: Attribution Non-Commercial 3.0 Licence https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/
Legal Aid NSW has met all our legal copyright and intellectual property obligations in the preparation of these podcasts.
 
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. 
 
 

A Place to Call Home: Episode 1 - Homelessness in older people

This is Part 1 of a new podcast series exploring homelessness in Australia and the legal issues people experience when they are homeless or at risk of homelessness.  During this series we will be speaking to people from different services providing support and legal advice to those experiencing homelessness.
In this first episode, Bridget from the Community Legal Education Branch speaks to Mary Lovelock from Legal Aid’s Elder Abuse Service based on the Central Coast and lower Hunter region, about homelessness and its causes in older people.
There is useful information in this episode about how community workers working with older clients can support and refer those clients for legal help.
 
Use the links below to find out more information about what we talked about in this episode.
Legal Aid services and resources for older people:
Legal Aid NSW, Elder Abuse Service Ph. (02) 4324 5611
Elder Abuse Service - Legal Aid NSW
LawAccess 1800 888 529
Seniors Rights Service: Ph. 02 9281 3600
Seniors Rights Service offers free legal advice on many legal issues to older people in NSW, as well as a comprehensive referral service. We offer general legal advice, as well as advice on retirement villages and strata living.
https://seniorsrightsservice.org.au/
Ageing and Disability Abuse Helpline 1800 628 221
https://www.facs.nsw.gov.au/resources/statistics/ageing-and-disability-abuse-helpline
Lifeline 13 11 14
Older Women’s Network Ph.02 9519 8044
https://ownnsw.org.au/
https://ownnsw.org.au/our-work/elder-abuse/
Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/YOA2tpaTQpPasSZwJvIZZsJt_wc
Editing by Yasmine Lewis from Legal Aid NSW
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 8 - Tenants facing additional barriers (Part 1/2)

This is Part 1 of the eighth episode in our series called “Renting Matters”, which explores all aspects of tenancy and other living arrangements in NSW. This series is a joint project between the Tenants’ Union of New South Wales (“TU”) and Legal Aid NSW.
The final episode of this series is in 2 parts. In part 1 Bridget from the Community Legal Education Branch speaks to two international students about the challenges they faced with their tenancies during the first phase of the Covid19 pandemic and other challenges they have faced in the rental housing market.  Bridget speaks to Sanjaya and Chaitra during this episode.
There is useful information in this episode about how community workers working with international students can help these clients.
 
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.
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.
 
Services for International students:
https://rlc.org.au/our-services/international-students
https://www.tenants.org.au/
https://www.tenants.org.au/factsheet-03-bond
https://www.tenants.org.au/factsheet-15-share-housing
https://www.study.sydney/
International students can access legal advice in several different languages using this App:
https://www.study.sydney/programs/my-legal-mate
Join the Sydney Community Forum Facebook page to access to help and information:
https://www.facebook.com/Sydney-Community-Forum-863134333848665/
Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/sQS3MAqLnKbigt1bNb7feu4iOL0 
Music: Fata Morgana by Yemanjo
Editing by Yasmine Lewis from Legal Aid NSW
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 7 - Nothing private about this house

This is the seventh episode in our series called “Renting Matters”, which explores all aspects of tenancy and other living arrangements in NSW. This series is a joint project between the Tenants’ Union of New South Wales (“TU”) and Legal Aid NSW.
In this episode, “Nothing private about this house”, Bridget from the Community Legal Education Branch speaks to guests about social housing – what is it and how is it different to living in a private rental the laws that apply and where to get help if you have a problem. Bridget speaks to Lehana, a Solicitor at Tenants' Union of NSW.  Bridget also speaks to Arthur about his experiences living in social housing over many years.  There is useful information in this episode about how community workers can help clients in these living situations.
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 called Public, community & Aboriginal Housing.
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 and resources:
 
Public & community & Aboriginal housing:
https://www.tenants.org.au/resources/aboriginal-renters
https://www.tenants.org.au/resources/public-and-community-housing
https://www.tenants.org.au/resource/public-housing-repairs
https://www.tenants.org.au/factsheet-11-nsw-civil-and-administrative-tribunal
https://www.tenants.org.au/resource/listen-ask-respect-guide-housing-providers
Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/xnDNZP6IT-aiq22efpsts0S4TiU
Music: Fata Morgana by Yemanjo
Editing by Yasmine Lewis from Legal Aid NSW
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 6 - Full House

This is the sixth episode in our series called “Renting Matters”, which explores all aspects of tenancy and other living arrangements in NSW. This series is a joint project between the Tenants’ Union of New South Wales (“TU”) and Legal Aid NSW.
In this episode, “Full house”, Bridget from the Community Legal Education Branch speaks to guests about living in share houses or boarding house, the laws that apply and where to get help if you have a problem.  Bridget speaks to Amanda, Solicitor in Redfern Legal Centre’s Tenancy and Housing Service.  Bridget also speaks to Beverly, Chair of the Older Women’s Network, about whether these living arrangements work for older women. There is useful information in this episode about how community workers can help clients in these living situations.
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 called Share houses, boarders and lodgers.
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 and on Redfern Legal Centre’s website are these fact sheets and resources:
 
Share houses:
https://www.tenants.org.au/resource/share-housing-survival-guide-nsw
https://www.tenants.org.au/factsheet-15-share-housing
https://www.tenants.org.au/factsheet-18-transfer-and-sub-letting
https://www.tenants.org.au/sample/lockout-sharehousing
https://www.tenants.org.au/sample/lockout-threat
https://sharehousing.org/
 
Boarders and lodgers
https://www.tenants.org.au/resource/guide-boarding-houses-and-law
https://www.tenants.org.au/factsheet-14-boarders-and-lodgers
https://www.tenants.org.au/factsheet-27-boarding-houses-act
https://www.tenants.org.au/sample/lockout-threat
https://rlc.org.au/publication/boarding-houses-and-law-legal-guide-for-people-nsw
 
Goods left behind
https://www.tenants.org.au/factsheet-25-goods-left-behind
https://www.tenants.org.au/sample/return-of-goods
International students
https://www.tenants.org.au/resource/redfern-legal-centres-international-student-guide-share-housing
https://rlc.org.au/our-services/international-students
https://youtu.be/2699Zg-clms
Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/KuFep6W6U1km3mkyKBoNk80XtOw
Music: Fata Morgana by Yemanjo
Editing by Yasmine Lewis from Legal Aid NSW
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: Mini-Episode - Don’t Make Me Leave

This is an extra mini episode in our series called “Renting Matters”, which explores all aspects of tenancy and other living arrangements in NSW. This series is a joint project between the Tenants’ Union of New South Wales (“TU”) and Legal Aid NSW.
In this episode, “Don’t make me leave”, Bridget from the Community Legal Education Branch speaks to Eloise, Advocacy Officer at the Tenants’ Union about what tenants can do if their lease is about to end and they want to stay in their 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.
On the Tenants’ Union website are fact sheets and resources - https://www.tenants.org.au/resources/all
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.
 
Episode transcript: https://otter.ai/u/du3hSqAIgsZj4w6q2KfELc1wfwY
Music: Fata Morgana by Yemanjo
Editing by Yasmine Lewis from Legal Aid NSW
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 5 - When you own the house but not the land

This is the fifth episode in our series called “Renting Matters”, which explores all aspects of tenancy and other living arrangements in NSW. This series is a joint project between the Tenants’ Union of New South Wales (“TU”) and Legal Aid NSW.
In this episode, “When you own the house but not the land”, Bridget from the Community Legal Education Branch speaks to guests about life in a Residential Land Lease Community in NSW (RLLC).  Bridget speaks to Paul, Residential Parks Legal Officer and Julie, Residential Parks Officer at the Tenants’ Union about the laws governing RLLC and the work they do helping residents living in RLLCs across NSW.  Bridget also speaks to Kim, a long term resident in a RLLC, about her life and experiences there. There is useful information in this episode about how community workers can help clients living in a RLLC.
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 green tile Land Lease Communities Noticeboard.
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 and resources:
For homeowners:
https://www.tenants.org.au/thenoticeboard/home-owner-factsheets
For tenants in RLLC:
https://www.tenants.org.au/thenoticeboard/factsheet/tenants-land-lease-communities
https://www.tenants.org.au/thenoticeboard/factsheet/tenants-rights-responsibilities
About the Local Govt Act & Regulations
https://www.tenants.org.au/thenoticeboard/factsheet/lga-approvals-and-maps
https://www.tenants.org.au/thenoticeboard/factsheet/lga-homes-structures
https://www.tenants.org.au/thenoticeboard/factsheet/lga-sites-distances-setbacks  
For editions of the Outasite Land Lease Community magazine go here:
https://www.tenants.org.au/news/outasite-land-lease-community-magazine-out-now
 
Music: Fata Morgana by Yemanjo
Editing by Yasmine Lewis from Legal Aid NSW
Transcript: https://docdro.id/7xJhDaF
Captions: https://otter.ai/u/l04jIqtgEjBpzsySxpgqnk1yv3A 
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 4 - Hit the road Jack

A transcript of this podcast can be found here - https://docdro.id/R5F7tyF
This is the fourth 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, “Hit the road Jack”, Bridget from the Community Legal Education Branch speaks to guests about how a landlord can end a tenancy, including the notice a landlord must give for different types of tenancy.  Bridget speaks to Justin, Assistant Principal Solicitor at Marrickville Legal Centre and to Amanda and Alison, Solicitors working in the Housing and Tenancy service at Redfern Legal Centre about the issues tenants experience when a landlord ends their tenancy.  Justin, Alison and Amanda explain when a tenant must leave after they receive a notice of termination. There is useful information in this episode about how community workers can help clients whose landlord is ending their 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 Eviction and on Share Houses, boarders and lodgers.
You can also enter your own 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 and resources:
https://www.tenants.org.au/factsheet-10-landlord-ends-agreement
https://www.tenants.org.au/factsheet-28-sale-of-rented-premises
https://www.tenants.org.au/factsheet-21-mortgagees-and-tenants
https://www.tenants.org.au/factsheet-03-bond
https://www.tenants.org.au/factsheet-05-rent-arrears
https://www.tenants.org.au/factsheet-17-discrimination
https://www.tenants.org.au/factsheet-11-nsw-civil-and-administrative-tribunal
https://www.tenants.org.au/factsheet-19-tenant-databases
https://www.tenants.org.au/factsheet-25-goods-left-behind
https://www.tenants.org.au/resource/easy-way-claim-your-bond
https://www.tenants.org.au/factsheet-11-nsw-civil-and-administrative-tribunal
and sample letters:
https://www.tenants.org.au/sample/rent-arrears
https://www.tenants.org.au/sample/termination-sale
https://www.tenants.org.au/sample/termination-inspection
https://www.tenants.org.au/sample/bond-dispute
https://www.tenants.org.au/sample/lockout 
https://www.tenants.org.au/sample/lockout-threat
https://www.tenants.org.au/sample/lockout-sharehousing
https://www.tenants.org.au/sample/rent-increase-sharehousing
https://www.tenants.org.au/sample/transfer-consent-withheld
https://www.tenants.org.au/sample/transfer-of-co-tenancy-agreement
For information about changing the locks:
https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/housing-and-property/renting/during-a-tenancy/health,-safety-and-security 
Marrickville Legal Centre: https://www.mlc.org.au/
Contact numbers for the Inner West Tenancy Service and North Sydney Tenancy Service are found here: https://www.mlc.org.au/services/tenancy/
Redfern Legal Centre: https://rlc.org.au/
For information on Redfern Legal Centre’s tenancy and housing services look here:
https://rlc.org.au/our-services/tenancy-housing
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 Yasmine Lewis from Legal Aid NSW
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 3 - Get me outta here

Click here for a transcript of this podcast.
This is the third 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, “Get me outta here”, Bridget from the Community Legal Education Branch speaks to guests about the different circumstances in which tenants leave a tenancy. Bridget speaks to Amanda , a Tenants’ Advocate with the Northern Rivers Tenants’ Advice and Advocacy Service (NORTAAS) about these situations, including leaving because of domestic violence. We also hear from Jemima, Policy and Advocacy Coordinator with the TU who talks about getting your bond back. There is useful information in this episode about how community workers can support clients leaving because of domestic violence and for other reasons.
Use the links below to find out more information about what we talked about in this episode, including resources about domestic and family violence.
Tenants’ Union of New South Wales tenants.org.au - Look for the tile on You want to leave or for lots more resources, click here.
 
On the Tenants’ Union website are these fact sheets and resources:
You want to leave
Sale of rented premises
Ending tenancy early
Domestic violence and tenancy
Transfer and sub-letting
Sale of rented premises
Mortgagees and tenants
Bond
NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal
Tenant databases
Goods left behind
The easy way to claim your bond
Sample letters:
Rehousing support letter
Ending a fixed term tenancy
Termination for no reason
Ending tenancy early
Ending tenancy due to sale of premises
Transfer of tenancy document
Request for consent to transfer co-tenancy 
Transfer of co-tenancy - consent withheld
Request for joint final inspection 
Bond dispute
Ending tenancy due to domestic violence
 
RESOURCES RELATED TO DOMESTIC & FAMILY VIOLENCE
If you are experiencing domestic and family violence call 1800RESPECT. 1800 737 732.
This is a 24-hour national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line for any Australian who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault.
For information about changes to the Residential Tenancies Act about domestic violence and emergency accommodation:
Domestic Violence Amendments to Residential Tenancies Act
Emergency accommodation information 
See the Fair Trading website for declaration by a competent person about domestic violence and for information about who is a “competent person”:
Declaration by competent person
Professionals who make a declaration
For information about changing the locks for security when a co-tenant has left due to domestic violence, click here.
 
Services:
Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service
Northern Rivers Tenants Advice and Advocacy Service (NORTAAS)
Victims Services for counselling, financial assistance for immediate needs or to apply for a recognition payment
Victims Access Line: 1800 633 063         
  Aboriginal Contact Line: 1800 019 123
LawAccess 1300 888 529 has useful information and links on its website about applying for an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order here and about tenancy here
 
For information about Men’s behaviour change program MEND - Men exploring New Directions see:
Music: Fata Morgana by Yemanjo
Editing by Tiffany Dimmack and Glen Morrow 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 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.