She said Inner West tenants and landlords have been “left in the lurch” by the NSW Government’s rental package, with only 16 per cent of landlords covered by land tax relief measures and tenants who have lost their livelihoods through Covid-19 lumped with potentially huge debt bombs through rent deferrals
Ms Haylen says she will continue the fight to expand protections for tenants and landlords when Parliament returns to debate the package next month.
“The eviction moratorium is good news for tenants, but the Government needs to provide immediate financial support if it’s serious about helping landlords and keeping tenants in their homes,” Ms Haylen said.
“Other states are providing direct financial support to tenants impacted by Covid-19 including $2000 rent relief grants.
“It’s unclear whether the package supports tenants without a written lease agreement and the process by which tenants and landlords can negotiate rent arrangements is as clear as mud.”
NSW Labor is calling on the Government to:
• Immediately implement an eviction moratorium for tenants financially impacted by COVID-19;
• Establish a rental hardship fund;
• Put a temporary stop on lease break fees for people financially impacted by COVID-19; and
• Clarify how landlords and tenants in properties that fall below the land tax threshold will be supported financially.
Labor has previously called for the Residential Tenancy Act to be amended to ban so-called no-grounds evictions. Under the current package, landlords may still be able to evict a tenant using this mechanism.
“The Government’s package fails renters and landlords alike. We need to urgently debate and reform this package to give people the certainty they need,” said Ms Haylen.
Tenants impacted by COVID-19 are encouraged to contact the Marrickville Legal Centre for help by calling 9559 2899.
The NSW Government has introduced measures to help landlords and residential tenants work together during the COVID-19 pandemic. It says the six-month package is designed to support tenancies to continue wherever possible. For all you need to know about the State Government’s ‘Residential tenancy support package’ visit
https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/residential-tenancy-support-package
‘Half-baked’ rental rescue leaves renters, landlords in the lurch
More needs to be done for tenants and landlords, says State MP for Summer Hill Jo Haylen.
While the State Government’s rental eviction moratorium is good news for tenants, a lot more needs to be done, says State MP for Summer Hill Jo Haylen.