COVID-19: Legislation Amendment (Emergency Measures) Act 2020

On 25 March, the NSW Parliament passed the COVID-19 Legislation Amendment (Emergency Measures) Act 2020 ('the Act') in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Act implements emergency measures and addressees various matters concerning Retail Trading, Environmental Planning and Local Government. The Act also makes important amendments with respect to landlords and tenants.

Occupancy Legislation Changes

The Act allows for the introduction of tougher regulations under existing occupancy legislation which includes the Retail Leases Act 1994 (NSW), the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (NSW), the Boarding Houses Act 2012 (NSW), the Residential (Land Lease) Communities Act 2013 (NSW), the Agricultural Tenancies Act 1990 (NSW) and any other Act relating to the leasing of premises or land for residential or commercial purposes.