In 2022, Shelter NSW decided to put the rights or renters, and especially low-income renters at the heart of our state election campaign. It is very encouraging, therefore, to see the NSW Government moving on a number of fronts to make renting in NSW fairer.

But the need is urgent, with the recent 2023 Anglicare Rental Affordability Snapshot highlighting that affordability has crashed to new lows. And we along with many other advocates know that beyond affordability and issues of vacancy rates the renting and tenancy system is fundamentally flawed. In late June we joined other advocates in urging the NSW Government to ease pressure on renting households and tackle unaffordable rents in the private rental housing market. We noted that this could  include, among other measures, reforms to introduce fairer limits and stronger protections against excessive rent increases.

We’re pleased to see the opening of public consultation on the government’s plans to improve rental laws in NSW. We call on all of our members and allies to take the time to complete the easy, online survey and provide feedback.

We imagine that the landlord and real estate sector will certainly take the opportunity to promote its position. Let’s make sure the voices of renters and especially low-income and disadvantaged renters are heard. Please spread the word and see further detail here.

In the meantime, we will be supporting our National Shelter in its submission to a Senate inquiry into Worsening Rental Crisis in Australia a crisis being felt in every part of the country.

Have your say on the rental system in NSW

The NSW Government is seeking the views of anyone who lives in, rents out or manages a rental property and anyone interested, to have their say about:

• reasons a landlord can terminate a lease – removing “no grounds” evictions
• making it easier for renters to keep pets
• protecting renters’ personal information and privacy
• making it easier to transfer a rental bond from one property to another
• other ways to make the system fairer.

Have your say by 5pm Friday, 11 August 2023 at haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/improving-nsw-rental-laws 

Listen to Shelter NSW CEO John Engeler talking to Kellie Fuller at ABC Illawarra last Friday about the rental reform consultation process announced that morning (8 minutes): 230707_John on ABC Illawarra July 7.mp3