Current tenancy laws do not properly protect tenants who are forced to flee serious neighbour violence, stalking, harassment, intimidation or sexual assault.

I am asking the Tasmanian Government to take the lead. In Australia, tenancy laws recognise domestic and family violence, but often fail to protect tenants escaping serious harm from neighbours or other people outside their household.

This is not about ordinary neighbour disputes. It is about serious situations where a tenant genuinely fears for their safety or life. There have been documented cases in Australia where people have been killed by neighbours after ongoing harassment, stalking, intimidation or rejected sexual advances.

I was forced to leave my rental property after ongoing harassment escalated into sexual harassment and assault. I did not leave because I wanted to. I left because I was no longer safe, and I am now homeless.

Despite this, I am still expected to keep paying rent until another tenant is found, even though I cannot safely live there. If I stop paying, I risk never being able to rent again. If I pay that rent I am ineligible for other rentals. It is an impossible situation.

No one should have to choose between danger and homelessness.

Tenancy laws should allow tenants to end a lease immediately, without ongoing rent liability, if they are fleeing serious neighbour violence, stalking, threats, harassment or assault.

There should be safeguards so this only applies in genuine cases, supported by evidence such as police reports, restraining orders, counselling records, letters from doctors or support services, or documented complaints showing an ongoing pattern of threatening behaviour. In my case there were multiple attempts to get help because I saw the behaviour escalating. 

If a tenant is forced to flee for their safety, the law should protect them, not punish them.

Trauma recovery depends on safety. Safety should end the lease.