Rodney Stevens
Everyone has heard about and seen nightmare scenarios involving rental properties and now the NSW government is asking tenants, owners, and the real estate industry how they can improve rental laws for all involved.
Across the state, nearly one in every three people rent their home so the NSW government is working to improve rental laws to support renters, landlords and the community by creating better rules that will give more stability for tenants and certainty for landlords.
Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin is encouraging local renters to have their say about the Government’s reforms to make renting fairer.
Ms Saffin said in the ongoing housing crisis in the Northern Rivers it is important to be doing everything possible to take the pressure off renters.
“We have both formal and informal arrangements for housing in our region, and I think it’s important that local people have a say in the rental changes so that they reflect our needs,” she said.
“The consultations open the way for the legislation to be introduced by the end of the year.”
Anyone who lives in, owns or manages a rental property, or is interested in renting rules in NSW, is invited to give feedback to help make changes that consider anyone in NSW affected by these laws.
The Minns Labor Government is working towards landmark rental reforms and is asking renters- along with owners and industry- to put forward their views on the reforms which include:
- The reasons why landlords can end a lease – removing no-grounds eviction
- Making it easier for renters to keep pets
- Protecting personal information held by real estates
- Making it easier to transfer rental bonds from one property to another
- Other ways to make it easier for renters
To have your say, you can fill out a survey, make a submission, or write to the NSW government with your views.
The survey covers six topic areas, is designed to be completed by renters, landlords, property agents, consumer advocacy groups, industry bodies, legal representatives or other interested parties and takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete.
The Improving NSW Rental Laws consultation paper is available on the website providing information and suggested questions to help people complete their submissions.
Links to help people to complete a survey, make a submission, or write to the government can be found on https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/improving-nsw-rental-laws
The survey and submissions close on August 11.