Renting and Housing Advocates: ‘NSW Government is Listening'

Joint media release — Advocates: ‘NSW Government Listening and Committed to Improving Rental System’

Renting and housing advocates say the NSW Government is listening and committed to improving the rental system as the government announces the Rental Commissioner will explore further how best to address rent bidding.

We’re pleased to hear today’s announcement by the Premier that the NSW Government will task the soon-to-be-appointed Rental Commissioner with further exploring and considering the best approach to end secret rent bidding. This demonstrates they are actively listening and engaging with the concerns of renters and other stakeholders and are serious about improving the rental system.

Our organisations — the Tenants’ Union of NSW, Homelessness NSW, Shelter NSW and the NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS) — are confident further positive changes are on their way. Labor’s commitment to make renting fair also includes reforms to end ‘no grounds’ evictions, make the laws more pet friendly, and improve privacy and data protections. These long overdue reforms will not just improve the lives of renters but benefit the community as a whole.

Leo Patterson Ross, CEO, Tenants’ Union of NSW: “This is an excellent outcome progressing an important debate and showing the value of consultation. We welcome the coming process of reforms and working with the NSW Government and Rental Commissioner to prevent the harms of this renting crisis.”

John Engeler, CEO, Shelter NSW: “Renters in NSW are struggling. We thank the NSW Government for taking the time to reconsider the best way to improve transparency in the application process and look forward to consulting further with the Rental Commissioner.”

Ben McAlpine, Acting CEO, NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS): “With more than 410,000 private renters in NSW living below the poverty line, there is a need for swift action. But we must ensure any reforms do not have unintended consequences. We thank the NSW Government for listening to our feedback and ensuring we get this reform right.”