Proposed Amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act 1999
Consultation overview
The NT Government is seeking feedback on proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act 1999 to strengthen the management of anti-social behaviour in social housing.
The proposed reforms support the Government’s commitment to public housing reform, stronger tenant accountability and safer communities.
Most social housing tenants do the right thing. However, anti-social behaviour by a small number of tenants and visitors can affect neighbours, vulnerable tenants, housing staff and the wider community. The proposed changes aim to give social housing landlords clearer and more effective tools to respond to serious or repeated anti-social behaviour and serious tenancy breaches.
The reforms build on the NT Government’s Tenant Accountability Policy Statement, which sets out three key responsibilities for social housing tenants: pay the rent, look after the property and be a good neighbour.
Why are the reforms needed?
The proposed reforms are intended to support safer communities and a fairer, more sustainable social housing system.
Anti-social behaviour can:
- affect the safety and peaceful enjoyment of neighbours
- place vulnerable tenants and families at risk
- cause damage to homes and surrounding property
- impact the broader community.
The proposed changes would strengthen tenant accountability while continuing to support tenants to sustain their tenancies wherever possible. They are not intended to make eviction automatic.
Have your say
Consultation is open from 5 October to COB 9 November 2026.
We want to hear from social housing tenants, Community Housing Providers, legal and advocacy services, homelessness services, Aboriginal organisations, community representatives and other interested Territorians.
Your feedback will help ensure the proposed changes operate fairly, effectively and consistently in practice. Consultation will inform legislation proposed for introduction to Parliament in 2027.
Before sharing your views, you may wish to read the information above and the supporting document/s:
- Consultation paper – Addressing anti-social behaviour in social housing
You can:
- Send us a quick note
- upload a written submission.
Consultation closes COB Monday 9 November 2026.
Queries email: DHLGCD.Consultation@nt.gov.au
