Renting and disasters (NSW)
Last updated 14 March 2024
Last updated 14 March 2024
This resource is designed to support community workers and volunteers connect people in disaster affected communities with legal help. It will help you identify when someone you’re helping is facing a tenancy legal problem and where to refer them for appropriate legal support. We refer to community members you’re helping as your ‘client’ throughout this resource.
This resource provides:
Disasters such as floods and bushfires can leave renters with a home that needs repairs or is even uninhabitable. If your client is facing a problem related to their tenancy after a disaster, it might be a legal problem.
Tenants Union of New South Wales have created several resources, including podcasts, to explain renter rights when a disaster hits, including:
Bushfires, floods, cyclones and severe storms can be unpredictable and scary. Renters can take steps to improve your safety and reduce your losses during times of crises. Read Tenants’ Union of New South Wales’ resource on preparing for unexpected emergencies as a renter here:
https://www.tenants.org.au/resource/tips-preparing-for-disasters
Tenants’ Union of New South Wales is the main resourcing body for the NSW network of Tenants Advice and Advocacy Services, and a community legal centre specialising in NSW residential tenancies law. They assist renters to assert their rights, work for systemic change, educate and advise, and listen to and are accountable to renters.
Visit their website for more information on how they can help: https://www.tenants.org.au/
LawAccess is a free government service that provides legal information and referrals, including to Legal Aid NSW, for people with a legal problem in NSW.
See their website for more information on how they can help: https://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/
Justice Connect can provide free legal advice and ongoing representation in certain matters to eligible individuals, small business owners and primary producers affected by disasters like floods, bushfires, cyclones, and other extreme weather events. We may be able to match your client with free legal assistance to help with disputes or to assist them better understand their legal rights and obligations.
Refer someone to Justice Connect: https://justiceconnect.org.au/refer/
This resource was last updated on 14 March 2024. This is legal information only and does not constitute legal advice. You should always contact a lawyer for advice specific to your situation. You can read our disclaimer in full here: Disclaimer and copyright for our Disaster Legal Support Resource Hub – Justice Connect.