Renting an average house in Coogee now costs more than an average full time salary, despite having one of the highest rates of renters in NSW, with 53% of households renting, according to recent census data.
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 These laws are unfair and out of date,” Ms Leong said.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.
“Nearly half the population in the electorate of Coogee 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.
“With NSW Labor opposition joining The Greens and the community to protect the 30% of people in NSW who rent by ending unfair ‘no-grounds’ evictions, it’s time for the local Liberal MPs like Bruce Notley-Smith to act,” Ms Leong said.
Background
Median weekly rent for a house in Coogee is $1725 – or $89,000 a year. Rent alone is more than 100% of an average full time salary. Median rent for a unit is $700p/w. [source: https://homesales.com.au/location/coogee-nsw/]
The electorate of Coogee has one of the highest proportions of renters in NSW, with 48% of households, or over 15,000 people, renting at the 2016 census. The suburb of Coogee is even higher, where 53% rent.
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.
The Greens have launched rentersrights.org.au <http://www.rentersrights.org.au/no_grounds_evictions>, a campaign hub and online resource for renters.