Tenant accountability policy statement
The policy statement sets out the government’s position on tenant accountability, to be implemented by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Community Development (DHLGCD).
Context and purpose
In March 2025, the Northern Territory Government set out a public housing reform agenda to restore fairness, accountability and safety in public housing, with a strong focus on anti-social behaviour and rent debt. In August 2025, the government’s Reducing Crime Strategy identified improved tenant accountability as a key initiative.
Why this matters
Most public housing tenants do the right thing: they care for their home, pay their rent, and are respectful neighbours. The Tenant Accountability Statement is designed to protect and strengthen the system for everyone by:
- supporting tenants to sustain their tenancy and meet their obligations
- responding more quickly and consistently to serious or repeated anti-social behaviour
- addressing rent debt through clear compliance expectations and follow-up
- maintaining fairness for tenants who do the right thing
- protecting neighbourhood amenity and community safety
- safeguarding the long-term availability of public housing for those waiting.
What the statement covers
The full tenant accountability statement explains:
- tenant responsibilities (look after the property, pay the rent, be a good neighbour)
- firm and timely enforcement when responsibilities are not met, DHLGCD may issue a notice to remedy breach including escalation processes and action through the Northern Territory Civil and Administrative Tribunal where required
- strengthened prevention and enforcement responses to anti-social behaviour, including joint operations and partnerships to address anti-social behaviour and provide support
- proposed legal amendments to strengthen community safety considerations
- consideration of recognition and reward mechanisms for tenants who consistently meet their responsibilities.
Want the full picture? Read the Tenant Accountability Policy Statement PDF (926.1 KB) and Tenant Accountability Policy Statement handout PDF (234.9 KB).
