This flowchart summarises the steps that you may take if you are a renter impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.

Tap on the headings below to expand each section (better for mobile), or download the pdf here.

Please note that this chart is an overview. For more detail see the full contents of the Renters' Guide to COVID-19. 

Having trouble paying rent because impacted by COVID-19?

 

A COVID-19 impacted tenant who requires rent relief should contact the landlord as soon as possible to try and negotiate, in good faith. In general, ‘good faith' negotiation means parties dealing honestly and fairly with one another to genuinely work towards a mutually beneficial agreement in a timely manner. See COVID-19 Guide: Rent, rent reduction and support 

See the Rent Reduction Sample Letter

See the Rent Variation Sample Agreement

See below for more information on the Formal Rent Negotiation Process.

 

Do you want to end your tenancy?

 

See also COVID-19 Guide: How do I end my tenancy? and Factsheet 09: You want to leave 

An early termination application to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal comes under section 228C or section 104. Get advice from your local Tenants' Advice and Advocacy Service on applying to the Tribunal. See also COVID-19 Guide: How do I end my tenancy?

See COVID-19 Guide: Tribunal Proceedings and Factsheet 11: NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal

Note: Until your tenancy agreement has ended, you should continue to pay whatever you can afford to pay in rent during this time and speak to a financial counsellor to prepare a plan in support of your case during your negotiations.

 

*NSW Fair Trading Formal Rent Negotiation process

 

If you have attempted to negotiate a rent reduction without success you can apply to NSW Fair Trading for assistance with the negotiations by using this form.
For more info, see COVID-19 Guide: Rent negotiations.

See COVID-19 Guide: Rent negotiations

 

See the Rent Variation Sample Agreement or 'Do you want to end your tenancy?' above.