Do landlords have to pay for alternative accommodation?

In Australia, whether a landlord has to pay for alternative accommodation depends on the state or territory tenancy law and why the property became uninhabitable. Under the residential tenancy acts in NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, ACT and NT, a landlord has a legal obligation to provide and maintain the premises in a reasonable state of repair and fit for habitation. If the property becomes uninhabitable due to a serious problem that is not caused by the tenant, such as major flooding, fire, serious mould due to structural issues, or failure of essential services like water or electricity for an extended period, the tenant may have the right to terminate the agreement, or the rent may be reduced or waived for the period the property cannot be lived in. However, the landlord is not automatically required to pay for a hotel or Airbnb unless the tenancy agreement includes a specific clause, or the tribunal orders it as compensation. In most cases, the tenant's own contents insurance with temporary accommodation cover would pay for alternative housing, while the landlord's building insurance may include loss of rent cover for the landlord's lost income, not the tenant's hotel bill. If the uninhabitability was caused by the landlord's breach, for example failing to fix a major leak after notice, the tenant can apply to NCAT in NSW, VCAT in Victoria, or QCAT in Queensland for compensation that could include reasonable accommodation costs.