COVID-19 restrictions eased in New South Wales from Monday, 18 October. If you’ve been impacted by the pandemic in NSW, here’s where to go for tenancy support.

Restrictions have eased further from Monday 18 October 2021 after NSW hit the 80% (aged 16 and over) double-dose vaccination target.

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Face masks

  • in an indoor area of premises other than a place of residence, 
  • in an indoor area on common property for residential premises, 
  • at a public transport waiting area, 
  • in a vehicle or vessel being used to provide a public transport service, 
  • working at a hospitality venue and dealing directly with members of the public, 
  • on a domestic commercial aircraft, including when the aircraft is flying above NSW.

For more information on the current restrictions, news updates and FAQs, visit the NSW Government website.

>> Have tenancy questions? Join the Rent.com.au Community on Facebook today.

I’m renting. Where can I get help during the COVID-19 pandemic?

If you’re looking for extra tenancy support, these organisations may be able to assist you in a range of areas.

OrganisationPhoneWebsite
Tenants’ Union of NSWLocal service contacts are available on the websiteTenants Union of NSW
National Debt Hotline1800 007 007. Weekdays, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM.National Debt Hotline
Salvation Army13 72 58Salvation Army
‘Ask Izzy’ search tool (find local services in your area)N/AAsk Izzy
Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre1800 015 188, 24/7Safe Steps
Financial and other support (NSW Government)N/ANSW Gov COVID-19 Financial Support
Lifeline Australia13 11 14, 24/7Lifeline Australia

Greater Sydney COVID-19 renter protections (past and current)

As a result of the lockdown in Sydney, the NSW Residential Tenancy Support package has been extended.

The Residential Tenancy Support Payment has been increased from $1,500 and now provides up to $4,500 per tenancy agreement. Landlords who have already claimed up to $1,500 or $3,000 can make a further claim for reduced rent up to a total of $4,500.

An announcement has been made about a short-term moratorium on evictions for residential tenants.

For COVID-19 impacted tenants who accrued rent arrears between 15 April 2020 and 26 March 2021 (the moratorium period):

  • Landlords will only be able to evict for these arrears if they have first attempted to negotiate a repayment plan in good faith. It also has to be fair and reasonable to evict.
  • The tenant cannot be evicted unless they have failed to meet the agreed payment on two consecutive occasions.
  • Tenants and landlords will continue to be able to apply to NCAT to terminate tenancy agreements based on hardship.
  • Existing agreements about the waiver or deferral of rent payment will not be affected.
  • Landlords can’t evict using the ‘no grounds’ eviction process unless it is fair and reasonable.
  • Tenants are permanently protected from being listed on tenancy databases

These measures end on 11 November 2021.

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