Local not-for-profit community services provider, VERTO, has welcomed the NSW Government’s move to ban no-grounds evictions, providing much-needed support to renters across the state.
NSW Premier Chris Minns yesterday announced proposed legislation to prevent landlords from ending a lease without a ‘reasonable excuse’ from next year, with homeowners having to meet several thresholds for eviction, including the sale of the property or tenant damage to the property.
“As it currently stands, landlords in NSW are legally able to terminate rolling leases at any time, without any reason, as long as they provide the tenant 90 days’ notice,” VERTO CEO Ron Maxwell said.
“This is completely unfair on many renters, often resulting in financial strain and emotional distress. No one should ever have to live in fear of homelessness.”
VERTO is the provider of the South Western Tenants’ Advice and Advocacy program in Wagga Wagga, Albury, Bathurst, Goulburn and Orange.
According to SQM Research statistics, rental vacancy rates in Wagga Wagga (0.7%), Albury (1.2%), Bathurst (1.6%), Goulburn (1.6%) and Orange (1.5%) continue to be at record low rates.
“When you have a situation where rents are rapidly rising, are increasingly difficult to retain and it’s incredibly difficult to find new housing, you unfortunately have a perfect storm for many tenants,” Mr Maxwell said.
“According to VERTO’s statistics, tenants contacting the service about end of fixed term and 90 day no-grounds eviction notices have increased by up to 230% since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
“We continually hear from local renters how devastating no-grounds eviction notices can be. Something had to change to level the playing field and ending no- grounds evictions without a reasonable excuse is a big step in the right direction.”
Other proposed reforms include:
- Penalties for landlords who terminate a lease for ‘non-genuine’ reasons
- Landlords will be required to provide evidence to proceed with a termination notice
- For renters on fixed-term agreements of less than six months, the termination notice period will increase from 30 to 60 days
- For renters on fixed-term agreements of more than six months, the termination period will increase from 60 to 90 days.
VERTO's free, confidential South Western Tenants’ Advice and Advocacy program is run by professional and experienced advocates trained to support people through difficult times. For more information or assistance, phone 1300 483 786 or visit www.verto.org.au.
