The Queensland Residential Tenancies Act has provisions in it to assist people experiencing domestic violence while living in rental accommodation.

Domestic Violence can take many forms and for the purposes of defining domestic violence under the Residential Tenancies Act the following definitions as outlined in the Domestic Violence (Family Protection) Act 1989 apply:

(a) willful injury
(b) willful damage to the spouse's property;
(c) intimidation or harassment to the spouse without consent
(d) indecent behaviour to the spouse without consent;
(e) a threat to commit an action mentioned in paragraph (a) to (d)
The Residential Tenancies Act also allows for action to be taken by occupants and same sex couples.

The Act allows anyone sharing the home who fears the tenant on the lease is likely to intentionally or recklessly cause serious damage or injury to apply to the Tribunal for a termination order.

ADVICE:

It is always wise to seek advice from your Tenancy Advice Worker before initiating any application to the Small Claims Tribunal on the grounds of Domestic Violence. Please contact our service to be sure of your rights and the process you need to take.If you are in a domestic violence situation, you should also contact either a local or statewide Domestic Violence Service to find out what is available to assist you also.