Renters in NSW Fear Increase in No-Grounds Evictions
Synopsis
On May 19, a new law will take effect that will prevent landlords from evicting tenants without a valid reason. As a result, renters are fearful that there could be an increase in no-grounds…
On May 19, a new law will take effect that will prevent landlords from evicting tenants without a valid reason. As a result, renters are fearful that there could be an increase in no-grounds evictions as landlords act ahead of the new rule.
According to the Tenants’ Union of NSW, the Minns government has made that a real possibility by not putting protective measures in place in the interim.
Last year, the NSW enacted legislation that made it harder for landlords to evict tenants. This rule also prevented landlords from raising rent more than once a year.
Housing organizations are supportive of the new law but are expecting a surge in the number of no-grounds evictions before May 19.
Preparing for the Reforms
The Inner Sydney Tenants’ Advice and Advocacy Service is currently preparing to assist renters who have been evicted ahead of the new terms.
According to a report from the Guardian, Leo Patterson Ross, the CEO of the Tenants’ Union of NSW, said his organisation was also preparing to see such a surge in evictions.
The union saw social housing providers in particular, evicting tenants without notice after the Minns government announced the reforms last month.
However, the union did not see a surge in no-grounds evictions following the reforms in Queensland last year. According to Patterson Ross, those changes were probably not as significant as the ones in Victoria.
Monitoring the Impact
The reforms in Victoria led to an increase in bonds just after its rental legislation came into effect in 2021. Patterson Ross stated a transitional period could have provided protection for tenants.
Jenny Leong MP, Greens spokesperson for Housing and Homelessness, called the reforms "well overdue" but criticised the government for ignoring concerns about transitional provisions.
According to ABC news, the NSW government is monitoring the impact of the new legislation.
Sources
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