How to protect your tenancy and get help before it's too late
One in three Australian renters has experienced rental stress. You have legal protections as a tenant — eviction is not immediate, requires tribunal proceedings, and there are rental assistance programs in every state. Here's where to start.
Need to talk to someone? 1800 007 007 — National Debt Helpline, free and confidential.
Where are you?
We'll show you local numbers, services, and rights specific to your state.
Check off each step as you go. Your progress is saved.
The worst thing you can do is go silent. Most landlords would rather negotiate than go through the cost and hassle of finding a new tenant. Contact them in writing (email is fine) and explain you're having temporary difficulty. Propose a payment plan — even a partial payment shows good faith.
In NSW, a landlord must give you a termination notice (14 days for non-payment), then apply to NCAT (the tribunal). You can attend the hearing and explain your situation. The tribunal can delay the order if you have a reasonable plan. This process takes weeks — you are NOT getting kicked out tomorrow.
Get free legal advice about your rights. In NSW, call the Tenants' Union on 1800 251 101. In other states, search for your state's tenants' advice service. They can tell you exactly where you stand and what your landlord can and cannot do.
Centrelink Commonwealth Rent Assistance can add up to $219.40/fortnight to your payment. In NSW, Rentstart can provide an interest-free bond loan. Ask about state-specific emergency housing assistance through your local DCJ / housing office.
If you're spending money on energy, phone, or credit card payments that could go to rent, call those providers and get on hardship plans. Rent is your highest priority bill — everything else can be negotiated.
Call Link2Home on 1800 152 152 (NSW, 24/7). They can help with emergency accommodation and connect you to specialist homelessness services. Don't wait until you're on the street — call when you first know you're at risk.
Your rights, who to call, and free services — everything in one place.
National Energy Retail Law (NERL) & National Energy Retail Rules (NERR)
Every energy retailer must have an approved hardship program. If you're struggling to pay, they must offer you entry into this program.
Your retailer must set payment amounts based on your capacity to pay — not just what they want. If you can only afford $30/week, that's what they must work with.
Your energy cannot be disconnected while you're on a hardship program and meeting your obligations. Even if you're not on a program, they must follow strict disconnection procedures first.
Disconnection is prohibited on days where the forecast temperature exceeds certain thresholds (varies by state — typically 39°C+ in NSW).
If you're in hardship, your retailer should offer information about how to reduce energy usage and may offer a home energy audit at no cost.
You can request to pay your energy bills directly from your Centrelink payments via Centrepay — making budgeting easier.
If your retailer doesn't follow these rules, you can complain to your state's Energy & Water Ombudsman for free. They have the power to order outcomes.
Tap any number to call directly. Tell them you're experiencing financial hardship.
What to say: Ask for the 'Staying Connected' hardship program. They must offer a payment plan based on what you can afford.
Your right: Under the National Energy Retail Law, AGL must not disconnect you while you're on a hardship plan and meeting your obligations.
What to say: Ask for the 'Power On' hardship program. Request a payment plan, energy audit, and concession check.
Your right: Origin must offer payment plans, direct Centrepay billing, and cannot disconnect while you're engaging with their hardship team.
What to say: Ask for the 'Energy Assist' hardship program. They can offer payment plans, debt waivers, and usage reduction support.
Your right: EnergyAustralia must assess your capacity to pay and set affordable repayment amounts.
What to say: Ask for their hardship program. Request a payment plan that matches your income cycle.
Your right: Must offer flexible payment options and not disconnect while you're on the hardship program.
What to say: Ask for their hardship assistance. They can reduce payments and set up Centrepay deductions.
Your right: Must work with you on a manageable payment arrangement.
What to say: Ask for 'financial assistance'. They can defer loan repayments, reduce credit card minimums, pause fees, and restructure debt.
Your right: Under the National Credit Code, CBA must respond to your hardship notice within 21 days. They must genuinely consider your request.
What to say: Ask for 'financial hardship assistance'. Options include loan deferrals, reduced repayments, and fee waivers.
Your right: Must respond to hardship applications within 21 days and offer genuine alternatives if they decline.
What to say: Ask for 'financial difficulty support'. They can pause repayments, extend loan terms, and waive fees.
Your right: Must respond within 21 days. If they refuse, you can escalate to AFCA for free.
What to say: Ask for 'NAB Assist'. They offer payment pauses, reduced repayments, and restructured loans.
Your right: Must assess your situation and respond within 21 days under the National Credit Code.
What to say: Ask for 'financial hardship assistance'. Options vary by product type.
Your right: Must respond to hardship notices within 21 days.
What to say: Ask for 'financial hardship support'. They can defer home loan repayments and adjust personal loan terms.
Your right: Must genuinely consider your hardship request and respond within 21 days.
These organisations provide free, professional help. Tap any number to call.
See services near you — select your state above to show local services alongside national ones.
Free legal advice on banking, insurance, credit, and debt issues. Specialist in financial services disputes.
Free supermarket and food rescue. Operates free supermarkets and delivers rescued food.
Food parcels, vouchers, household goods, and financial assistance for urgent needs
Free, independent, and confidential financial counselling. Call to speak to a qualified financial counsellor.
Peak body for financial counsellors — find a financial counsellor near you via their directory
Free financial counselling including budgeting, debt management, and Centrelink appeals
No or low-interest loans for essentials like fridges, washing machines, cars, and education
Free legal advice on banking, insurance, debt, and financial services disputes
Looking for more? Browse the full service directory
TEKVA provides direct rent assistance to working Australians in crisis. If you're employed or job-searching and at risk of losing your home, we want to hear from you.