Repayment Pressure, Hardship, and Unfair Treatment by Lenders
When repayments become difficult, contact from a lender often increases. Some level of engagement is expected. Australian law recognises that lenders are entitled to pursue amounts that are validly due under a credit contract. At the same time, the law sets boundaries on how that pursuit must occur, especially once a borrower’s circumstances have changed. This guide explains where repayment pressure ends and unfair treatment begins, how hardship is meant to be assessed, and how conduct is evaluated when disputes are raised. The focus is on standards and processes rather than individual tactics, so you can understand how the system is intended to operate when financial stress appears. Key takeaways Repayment pressure is not automatically misconduct Hardship is a recognised and protected process Lenders must consider changed circumstances in good faith Ignoring hardship information can breach expected standards Pressure that disregards capacity can be challenged ...