The state government says renters will have a stronger voice to government thanks to the new Rental Commissioner they have appointed.
The government today announced that ‘sector leader’ Trina Jones will become the first person to step into the role.
The commissioner will ‘work with the government to design and implement changes that rebalance the rental market, making it fairer and more modern’.
She will ‘work with the Government and stakeholders to get moving on the reforms open for consultation now’, including:
- making it easier for renters to have pets in their homes
- ending ‘no-grounds’ evictions
- implementing a portable bonds scheme that allows renters to transfer bonds from one property to another
- improving the protection of renters’ information and privacy.
Beyond these proposed changes, the Rental Commissioner will also reportedly be responsible for identifying and investigating other issues that are impacting the NSW rental market.
The commissioner will examine rental affordability and supply, encourage longer term rental agreements, investigate ways to improve energy efficiency for renters, develop educational resources for renters and owners, and monitor current tenancy laws.
‘The Government’s appointment of NSW’s first Rental Commissioner is an important step to addressing some of the issues facing renters and importantly giving them a voice,’ Premier Chris Minns said.
‘Anyone who rents in NSW knows just how anxious and challenging the process can be to find suitable accommodation, not to mention the rent increases and cost of living pressures.
‘I’m looking forward to working with the new commissioner to make our state a fairer place for both renters and owners.
‘We can’t fix years of problems in the rental market overnight, but we have already made a start and we are determined to do more.’
Incoming Rental Commissioner Trina Jones said:
‘In taking on the role of Rental Commissioner, my mission is to amplify the voice of renters, help strengthen their rights and improve the fairness of the rental market.
‘I look forward to working closely and productively with government, industry, renters and owners across our state as we collaboratively search for solutions to our housing challenges.’
Thank you Green’s, your ongoing advocacy and pressure has stirred a NSW Government into some action in relation to Rental Crisis. The former state LNP Govt had little to no interest in affairs but the new state ALP Govt seems awake.
But how long must we keep waiting for PM Albanese to get off his couch and do something?
We know how it goes with the too slow, too lazy, “everything is impossible until its not” ALP who eventually pick and up run with the Greens intiatives and policy work. No need to wait any longer!
Simple answer, NO
They will just scare landlords out of the market, increasing the problem.