Resources for people experiencing domestic and family violence

Everyone has a right to feel safe and live free from violence.

May is Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Prevention Month in Queensland. For people experiencing DFV, the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) can provide information to help you navigate a difficult time, understand your rights and access the support you need.
 

What can tenants and residents do if they are experiencing DFV?

Phone 000 (triple zero) for emergency help if you have been harmed, involved in a violent incident or are in danger.

If you are experiencing DFV, a domestic violence order (DVO) may help keep you safe. You can apply for a DVO at the Magistrates Court, or a trusted person can apply for you.

The Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 provides options for people experiencing violence who need to leave a tenancy.

A person experiencing DFV in a rental property has rights, even if you are not named on the tenancy agreement.

If you are experiencing DFV, you can end your interest in a tenancy agreement or rooming accommodation agreement. You can choose to leave or stay in the property and take measures to ensure your safety. If you choose to end your interest in the agreement you:

• must issue the property manager/owner with a Notice ending tenancy interest (domestic and family violence) (Form 20) or Notice ending residency interest (Form R20)
• can vacate immediately, but must provide 7 days notice and pay rent until the end of this notice period
• must provide relevant evidence of DFV to the property manager/owner (examples of evidence can be found on page two of the relevant notice)
• can request your bond contribution be refunded (if you paid bond money)
• are not liable for reletting costs or any damage caused by DFV.
   

Changing the locks

As a tenant, you have the right to change the locks at the property if you believe it is necessary to protect yourself or other occupants from DFV. If you choose to stay in the property you:

• can change the locks or access codes without the property manager/owner’s consent to protect your safety
• should provide the property manager/owner with a copy of the new keys or access codes, unless deemed unnecessary by the property manager/owner or as ordered by the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT).

Residents in rooming accommodation can also request a change of locks due to DFV. The provider/manager must action this for the safety of the resident. They cannot give anyone else access to the room without the resident’s agreement or a justifiable reason.
 

Privacy, confidentiality and safety

Your safety and privacy are crucial.

The RTA will not share your personal information with other people or tenants/residents. We always check that you can talk safely without risking your safety, and we will confirm your identity before discussing personal information or DFV.

Similarly, property managers/owners have responsibilities when a tenant is experiencing DFV.

The property manager/owner must maintain confidentiality in situations that involve DFV. They cannot:

• share your personal information (such as your forwarding address) with anyone else
• provide any information about your intention to leave the property until a minimum of 7 days after your interest in the tenancy ends.

Penalties apply for property managers/owners that breach confidentiality.

QCAT can provide further support to keep you safe and ensure your personal information is secure.
 

RTA resources for people experiencing DFV

The RTA has resources to help you understand the options for DFV situations in rental properties:

• Domestic violence in a rental property
  • Domestic and family violence – information for tenants
  • Domestic and family violence – information for residents
• Domestic and family violence provisions while renting webinar
• Domestic and family violence protections podcast
• resources and forms for domestic and family violence.
   

Other resources for people experiencing or using DFV

People experiencing or using violence can access further support through the Queensland Government. This can help you recognise DFV and connect with emergency resources:

• Queensland Government Help Seeking campaign.
• Queensland Government DFV support for women with disability.
• Office of the Victims’ Commissioner.
• DV Connect (for women) 1800 811 811.
• DV Connect (for men) 1800 600 636.
• 13YARN or call 13 92 76.

You can also contact the RTA to learn more about DFV in rental properties.