Survivor of family violence avoids homelessness

River was a young mother of three dependent children and was also a victim of family violence perpetrated by her former partner. She had been renting her premises since 2015, had limited family support and was solely relying on Centrelink payments. River was served with a Notice To Vacate for alleged successive breaches under s91ZP of the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 concerning minor property damage. River was also served with two prior breach notices alleging damage to the property under s61. River and her three children faced the possibility of homelessness.

PCLC advised River about her rights and responsibilities and also appeared for her at her VCAT teleconference hearing. VCAT, on being satisfied with our submissions, agreed that the NTV failed to comply with the s91ZZO Form of Notice and stuck out the rental provider’s application. River and her children were able to remain at the property.