Aboriginal woman threatened with eviction

June 2024

Amanda* is an Aboriginal woman. She lives in a small, coastal town with her four grandchildren. She received an eviction notice seven months into a one-year lease.

The real estate agent claimed the landlord had sold the property and needed to complete repairs before the new owners moved in. However, Amanda was told by her neighbour that the landlord wanted vacant possession so he could rent the property to holidaymakers in the upcoming summer season.

Discussions with the real estate agent and landlord did not resolve the issue, so Amanda lodged a complaint of race discrimination with ADNSW.

The complaint was referred to a legal advocate so they could lodge an interim order with the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal. The Tribunal granted Amanda an Interim Order which put a stay on the eviction pending finalisation of ADNSW’s investigation of the complaint.

During the investigation by ADNSW, the real estate agent helped Amanda to find alternative accommodation and this resolved her complaint.

* Name has been changed to protect the privacy of the individual