NCOSS Welcomes No-Grounds Evictions and Portable Bond Reforms

The NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS) strongly welcomes the Minns Government’s work to end no-grounds evictions and ensure portability of bonds.

The proposed reforms to end no-grounds evictions will be outlined in legislation scheduled to be introduced into the NSW Parliament in September 2024.

Under the reforms, homeowners will need to provide valid reasons for termination of a tenancy for both periodic and fixed-term leases.

NCOSS spoke about the importance of the reforms at today’s Legislative Assembly Select Committee on the Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill 2024.

“There are no grounds for no grounds evictions,” said NCOSS’ Director of Policy and Advocacy, Ben McAlpine.

“Right now, any renters life can be upended at any time according to our existing laws, and that’s clearly unacceptable.

“Renters shouldn’t have to live in constant fear and anxiety about when their entire lives will be turned upside down.

“The uncertainty of whether you’ll have a place to live tomorrow affects every aspect of your life, such as where you get to work and the decision to start a family.”

Research published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry found adults who moved frequently in childhood have significantly more risk of suffering from depression than their counterparts.

“These reforms have been a long time coming. Significant periods of consultation have got us where we need to be, and we just need to make it happen,’ McAlpine said.

Mr McAlpine also welcomed the NSW Government’s $6.6 million investment in delivering Australia’s first Portable Rental Bonds Scheme.

“One of the barriers that renters face when moving is having is covering the bond – saving for a new bond before the old one has been refunded,” Mr McAlpine said.

“Recent Finder research indicated almost half of Australians have less than $1,000 in savings, which is well under the average moving cost of $4,000 according to the NSW Government.

“And NCOSS’ own cost of living research showed that two thirds of low-income households have no savings at all

“This investment and timeframe to cover the bond gap is very welcome.”

Mr McAlpine said the reforms announced recently are important steps in protecting both renters and investors through providing greater stability in the midst of a housing crisis.

“NCOSS thanks Premier Minns for leading these reforms, and looks forward to working with the NSW Government to put them into place.

“In particular we look forward to discussing the detail around when the legislation takes effect and potential exemptions.

“We’ve all seen the devastating effects an insecure rental market has on our communities. We urge the Parliament to act upon the proposed rental reforms as soon as possible.”

Media contact: Phil McCall 0438 619 987