The problem – unfair evictions
Currently renters in NSW can be evicted without being given a reason (a ‘no grounds’ termination). This means renters can – and do – get kicked out for things like asking for basic repairs or questioning a steep increase in the rent. Or simply because their landlord doesn’t like them. It also means many renters live in fear of losing their home and don’t ask for their legislated rights like maintenance or repairs.
When someone is evicted it hurts the whole community. Communities lose neighbours and friends. They lose workers, volunteers, community members.
The 2 million renters in NSW (many of whom are families with kids) face constant uncertainty upheaval due to the threat of unfair evictions. One in three renters are likely to have moved home in the last year, and almost 40% have moved three or more times in the past 5 years. Around a third of renters have experienced being forced to move, often facing significant personal, social & financial costs as a result. Vulnerable tenants – those on low incomes or with complex needs – are at a much higher risk of being evicted directly into homelessness.
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