Tenancy & Living

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.   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.