A recent High Court ruling has held NT Housing responsible for neglected repairs.

The High Court has ruled in favour of a public housing tenant from the remote Central Australian community of Santa Teresa, allowing her to sue her landlord, Northern Territory Housing, for distress and disappointment resulting from prolonged maintenance neglect. 

The case, initiated by over 70 households in Santa Teresa, has far-reaching implications for renters across Australia seeking accountability for unsafe and uncomfortable living conditions.

The High Court heard a tenant's house was left lacking a back door for five years and infested by snakes due to the maintenance lapse. 

The ruling, which comes seven years after the legal action began, establishes NT Housing's liability for the repercussions of inadequate repairs.

Dan Kelly of Australian Lawyers for Remote Aboriginal Rights has underscored the dire state of housing in remote communities, calling it a “national disgrace”. 

He says the decision shows that such conditions are unlawful, and tenants deserve compensation. 

Kelly has urged the Northern Territory government to address housing issues and engage with clients for a discussion on improving living conditions.

Despite the High Court's ruling, residents believe housing standards remain inadequate and continue to fight for improvements.