Greens announce initiative to 'Stand Up for Renters'
Greens candidate for Bega, Margaret Perger has welcomed a new Greens initiative to strengthen renters’ rights in NSW. The ‘Standing Up for Renters‘ campaign is to update tenancy laws to reflect the increase in long-term renting, as house prices become less affordable.
"The Greens are promising to introduce a bill to the lower house that updates tenancy laws to reflect the changing housing market, Ms Perger said.
The Bill will:· Increase security of tenure by ending 'no grounds' evictions
· Allow rent increases only once per year
· Allow annual rent increases at no more than CPI (around 2-3% per year)”
"Home buyers are finding it harder and harder to find affordable housing on the far south coast, and long-term renting is becoming a new normal. Most landlords do the right thing, but it's not good enough that dodgy landlords can kick tenants out without giving a reason," Ms Perger said.
"The average costs of renting are rising and this has placed many renters in rental stress. An unacceptably high proportion of Indigenous tenants are in this category too
"People in the community are telling us that they live in areas like this because of the beauty of the environment and the benefits of smaller communities. The Greens' plan will help keep it that way and accessible to people on modest incomes.
"If these initiatives had been in place over the last 10 years, average rents would not have risen so much." Ms Perger said.
In launching the new initiative in Sydney last week, Greens Senator Scott Ludlam said one third of Australians are renters, which shows the collective power renters could have to strengthen their tenancy rights.
“Landlords have considerable power over the lives of tenants and are able to offer rental housing to prospective tenants on a take it or leave it basis. The Greens understand the need to protect the legitimate interests of landlords, but it is time to set a level playing field that is nationally consistent and enforceable,” said Senator Ludlam.
“With housing choice and affordability declining to crisis levels over the last decade, an increasing proportion of Australians now see renting as their only option - including ‘renters for life’. The time to improve the supply of affordable rentals and the rights and conditions of tenants is well overdue,” he said.
Ms Perger said that renting is the only choice for so many people and we need to create some balance in the regulation and laws that affect that community. Renters on the far south coast need security of tenure so that they can continue to be part of our vibrant communities."
9 February 2015
--
Margaret Perger
Greens Candidate for Bega Electorate
0400 719 077
Bega@NSW.Greens.org.au
Facebook: Margaret Perger, Greens Candidate for Bega 2015
Authorised by Margaret Perger PO Box 295 Moruya 2537
"Bad things happen when good people do nothing" Gandhi