The Rise of Revenge Evictions: Protecting Tenant Rights in 2025
Australia’s rental market has grown increasingly tense in recent years. With rents soaring and housing availability tightening, tenants are feeling more vulnerable than ever. Amid this climate, an alarming trend has emerged — “revenge evictions”, where landlords evict tenants in retaliation for exercising their legal rights.
As policymakers, advocacy groups, and renters debate how to respond, the issue has become a significant talking point in General Topical News Issues across Australia.
For example, a tenant who notifies the landlord about mould, plumbing failures, or safety concerns may suddenly find themselves issued with a “no-grounds” eviction notice. This type of notice allows landlords to end a lease without providing any reason, leaving tenants feeling powerless.
Why Are Revenge Evictions on the Rise?
Several factors are driving this concerning trend.
First, Australia’s tight rental market has given landlords more leverage. Vacancy rates in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne are at record lows, making it difficult for renters to find alternative housing. This imbalance allows landlords to act with less accountability, knowing tenants may fear eviction if they complain.
Second, the lack of national consistency in tenancy laws complicates matters. While states such as Victoria and Queensland have introduced stronger tenant protections — including limits on no-grounds evictions — other jurisdictions still permit them, leaving renters exposed.
Finally, rising maintenance costs and increasing interest rates have made some property owners less responsive to tenant needs, leading to frustration and retaliatory behaviour.
The Legal Landscape: What Rights Do Tenants Have?
Tenant rights in Australia vary by state and territory, but certain principles are common nationwide. Tenants have a legal right to a safe, habitable property and to request necessary repairs without fear of eviction.
In New South Wales, for example, the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (NSW) provides protections against retaliatory evictions. If a tenant believes they are being unfairly evicted, they can apply to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) to challenge the notice.
In Victoria, the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2018 (Vic) bans no-grounds evictions for most leases, making it harder for landlords to act vindictively.
Despite these laws, awareness remains a major issue. Many renters are unaware of their rights or lack the resources to contest an eviction. This knowledge gap continues to fuel the prevalence of revenge evictions.
The Human Impact
Behind the legal definitions are real people facing sudden loss of housing. Stories of single parents, pensioners, and young families forced out for requesting basic repairs are increasingly common.
Such evictions not only create financial hardship but also emotional distress, particularly when tenants are left scrambling to find alternative accommodation. The problem is worsened by Australia’s broader housing affordability crisis, where demand far outweighs supply.
Housing advocacy organisations like the Tenants’ Union of NSW and Everybody’s Home have called for urgent reform to end no-grounds evictions nationwide, arguing that stable housing is a basic human right.
Calls for Reform and Accountability
Across the country, housing advocates and lawmakers are debating ways to strengthen renter protections. Key proposals include:
Nationally consistent tenancy laws, ensuring all Australians enjoy the same rights regardless of where they live.
A ban on no-grounds evictions, requiring landlords to provide valid reasons for terminating a lease.
Better access to dispute resolution, through free or low-cost legal services.
Increased penalties for landlords found to engage in retaliatory conduct.
Some state governments have begun taking steps in this direction, but many argue that reforms are moving too slowly. With rental prices still climbing, the urgency for federal action is clear.
How Tenants Can Protect Themselves
Tenants can take practical steps to safeguard their rights:
Keep written records of all communications with the landlord or agent.
Document repairs and issues with photos and reports.
Revenge evictions highlight the ongoing power imbalance between landlords and tenants in Australia. As rental stress deepens, ensuring fairness and accountability within the housing system has never been more important.
For renters, knowing your rights — and acting on them — is essential. For policymakers, the challenge lies in balancing landlord interests with tenant security, ensuring that no one loses their home simply for standing up for fair treatment.
At New South Lawyers, we’re committed to staying at the forefront of General Topical News Issues that affect Australians daily. If you’re facing eviction or unsure about your tenant rights,
Whether through law or cultural change, one thing is clear — the future of work in Australia depends on finding balance between connection and wellbeing.
Contact New South Lawyers today. We’ll help you understand your options and protect your housing security.
