In the past five years, the number of people renting in the Sydney suburb of Burwood has surged from 46% to 54%. Renters now outnumber homeowners.
Despite this trend, Greens MP and Housing Spokesperson Jenny Leong says that renters have been forgotten in the housing affordability debate, and that reform of our rental laws is desperately needed.
The Greens will propose amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act to give renters more security when the Act is reviewed by Parliament later this year.
“Many people who rent live in fear of being thrown out of their home, even when they pay rent on time and look after the property. These laws are unfair and out of date,” Ms Leong said.
“The review of NSW rental laws that is currently underway offers an opportunity to give renters more security and stability. Ending no grounds evictions is an immediate step that can be taken to help renters throughout this state.
“Most people in Burwood are renting – but while you are renting you do not have the same kind of housing security as people who own their home. When you are renting, you can be evicted for no reason, with just 90 days notice, and rents can be increased.
“For families with kids in the local school, or for older people, having to move and uproot yourself from your community is extremely stressful.
“The Greens welcome Labor’s policy shift that takes up the push to protect renters. Now it’s time to see if they will put their vote where their policy is,” Ms Leong said.
Background
In the 2011 Census, 46% of people in Burwood were renting. In the 2016 census, this had surged to 54%.
A review of the NSW Residential Tenancies Act 2010 is underway, with proposed reforms from the Government expected soon. Through the review process, The Greens have proposed a number of reforms<http://www.jennyleong.org/greens_rental_law_reform_campaign> to provide increased stability, security and choice for renters, and to improve standards for rental properties.
In February 2017, a study co-authored by CHOICE, the National Association of Tenants' Organisations and National Shelter, titled Unsettled: Life in Australia's private rental market<https://www.choice.com.au/money/property/renting/articles/choice-rental-market-report>, found that 83% of renters in Australia have no fixed-term lease or are on a lease less than 12 months long, and 62% feel they're not in a position to ask for longer term rental security.
The Greens have launched rentersrights.org.au <http://www.rentersrights.org.au/no_grounds_evictions>, a campaign hub and online resource for renters.