Forum to give tenants a voice on challenges in rental market and what needs to change

A recent Renters’ Forum at Parramatta heard about the challenges tenants are facing and the solutions they want to see. Photo: NSW Tenants’ Union.

Illawarra tenants are invited to a Renters’ Forum at Dapto on Thursday (7 November) to share their experiences and give feedback on rental reforms.

More than 200 tenants have taken part in recent forums held in Parramatta, Revesby, Sydney CBD, Raymond Terrace and Newcastle.

NSW Tenants’ Union Police and Advocacy Manager Jemima Mowbray said despite some big wins for renters, particularly eviction reforms being passed in the past few weeks, there was still a lot of work to do.

“This is a critical moment for renters to share their experiences and insights,” she said.

“We want to ensure renters’ voices are heard on what more needs to change, as well as share their thoughts on how we go about doing it.

“We want to bring renters together to talk about the challenges they are facing, but also the solutions they want to see.

“Renters should be at the centre of efforts to design and implement responses to the housing crisis, including what’s needed to address the impacts of climate change.”

The NSW Government recently passed significant reforms including banning no-grounds evictions, limiting rent increases to only one per year, making it easier for tenants to have pets, and fee-free ways to pay rent.

NSW Rental Commissioner Trina Jones will attend the forum at Dapto’s Ribbonwood Centre to hear directly from the community and ensure renters’ perspectives inform upcoming rental reforms.

“The current rental market in NSW is the toughest that renters have seen for decades, with historically low vacancy rates, and median rent prices for houses increasing by around seven per cent over the last 12 months,” she said.

“These reforms will provide tenants with practical and meaningful support, which will help ease the insecurity and vulnerability of renting in challenging city and regional rental markets.”

The Renters’ Forum will be held from 5 – 8 pm on Thursday (7 November) at the Ribbonwood Centre. Registration is essential before midday on Thursday.