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Research: Energy efficiency in NSW social housing

radiator with text overlay. text reads "How energy efficient is your public or community housing home?"
Researchers at UNSW Sydney (The University of New South Wales), the University of Wollongong, CSIRO and the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage are seeking volunteer research participants to learn about the energy efficiency and thermal comfort levels of public and community housing in NSW.
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Half of all apartments in NSW to have no say in short term letting rules

Picture reads "Half of all apartments in NSW to have no say in short term letting rules"
Today’s announcement from the NSW Government in relation to short term holiday lettings is disappointing as it will not effectively protect against the potential impacts of holiday lettings and excludes many tenants from engaging in community decisions.
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Track rents in your local area – new postcode tool for tenants

Postcode Rent Tracker graphic
Today the Tenants' Union has released the first version of a new tool to help tenants in NSW. We believe the more information people who rent have the better, and now using data directly from the Rental Bond Board, you can check what the latest rents data is for any postcode in NSW with the Rent Tracker Postcode Tool.
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Government takes step in the right direction but needs to walk all the way with tenants

Redfern tenants showing support for the Make Renting Fair campaign
The Tenants’ Union welcomes the NSW government’s announcement of reforms this week for survivors of domestic and family violence in rented homes but urges action to make renting fair.
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David and Goliath: One tenant’s 14-year battle for repairs

David Bott
David Bott’s long-running battle in the Tribunal shone a light on a serious issue which public housing tenants know all too well: the systematic failure of FACS to do necessary repairs. After 14 years, FACS made the necessary repairs, but only after getting dangerously close to being found in contempt of the Tribunal. Thanks to David’s tenacity, his case has also paved the way for significant changes to the way FACS will deal with repairs issues.
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Power to the people – at a reasonable price

Electricity
With the commencement of the Residential (Land Lease) Communities Act 2013 (the Act) the method of calculating consumption charges for electricity, gas and water changed. The Tenants’ Union has highlighted the change through articles and a report. We have also held discussions with home owners, Tenant Advocates, the NSW Energy and Water Ombudsman (EWON) and NSW Fair Trading to explain that operators should not and cannot charge more than they are charged by their utility providers. Read more in this issue of Outasite Lite.
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Research into housing for younger people

Swinburne logo
Are you living at home, sharing or renting on your housing? Are you aged between 18-35 years? Help make a difference for better housing choices.
Have your say on the type of housing young people want to live in today & in the future and receive a $50 Coles/Myer voucher for your time.
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Share Housing in Sydney: Questionnaire

Computer mobile phone and blank book laying on a wooden table
Older people are increasingly living in share accommodation. Simultaneously, there is an increasing use of ‘smart’ technologies that influence people’s access to and experience of housing. The University of Sydney is carrying out research covering both these issues and you can help!
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WESTS celebrates 10 years

WESTS team with Dr Geoff Lee
The Western Sydney Tenants’ Advice and Advocacy Service (WESTS) recently celebrated their 10 year anniversary at Western Sydney Community Legal Centre (WSCLC). WESTS can be proud to have reached this milestone knowing that they have helped many thousands of renters over the years – last year alone they assisted over 3,000 new clients.
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Utilities hardship research

House lit by candles
Coming home to a house with no power or living with fear of not being able to afford power bills is something no one should have to do. But with rising costs it's something we hear of more and more. The Tenants' Union is supporting research looking at how people cope with their energy and water bills and the circumstances that may lead to people being disconnected, either now or in the future.
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