Renters will no longer be subject to unfair evictions under a Foley Labor Government, which has today committed to protecting tenants and working with industry on making it a fairer system.
A third of people in NSW rent their home, and under current rules, can be evicted for no reason, at any time.
There are approximately 2.1 million renters in NSW- or one in three people- and that number is expected to continue to grow. The Summer Hill electorate has amongst one of the highest ratios of tenants to landlords in NSW.
NSW Labor believes tenants deserve security in the rental market. This game-changing policy would also help to promote stability for those who opt to rent as their long term choice.
A Foley-Labor Government will:
- End no-fault evictions, specifying a list of grounds for the landlord to terminate a lease
- Introduce tenancies for up to 5 years in length in consultation with the industry
- Stipulate 12 month tenancies as a minimum
- Limit rent reviews to once a year
Labor is committed to acting on housing affordability and security and will help address these priorities by modernising the Residential Tenancies Act.
Labor will also monitor new technologies including rent bidding Apps and intervene if there is clear evidence they are putting upward pressure on rents.
It is the latest plank in Labor’s Affordability Housing Policy which includes
- Designating publicly owned land for Affordable Housing
- Support for reform on negative gearing
- Taxing vacant properties
Quotes attributable to Shadow Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation Yasmin Catley
“This is the next step in Labor’s affordable housing plan which will bring more certainty and balance in the rental market.
“Labor’s plan will bring rental rules into the 21st century. We see more families than ever before in the rental market and they deserve stable home environment.
“The Foley-Labor Government will work with industry and stakeholders in providing a clear set of reasons why a tenant can be evicted, as well as working on longer term leases to bring greater stability into the rental market.
Quotes attributable to Jo Haylen MP, Member for Summer Hill
“Everyone should be able to make their house a home, without the threat of unfair eviction hanging over their head.
“Renters have been the forgotten people in Sydney’s housing affordability crisis and its time tenants had some-one in their corner.
“Labor’s announcement will make housing more secure for the third of all people in NSW who rent their home, and will put some fairness back into the rental market.”