No-grounds eviction ban a win for renters, but more is required

NCOSS welcomes the announcement today from the NSW Coalition committing to reform no-grounds evictions, but warns that further steps are required.

An end to no-grounds evictions has long been championed by a range of advocacy groups and NGOs including the Tenants Union of NSW, St Vincent de Paul Society NSW, Shelter NSW and NCOSS.

All major parties have now committed to some form of no-grounds evictions policy.
As the peak social services body, NCOSS said that the ban on no-grounds evictions for periodic leases could make a difference to the lives of people in NSW, but more safeguards are needed.

“These changes have the potential to make a difference to those renters in NSW who are on periodic leases,” said NCOSS CEO Joanna Quilty.

“This is a positive step to help some renters improve their access to safe and secure housing.

“However, our main concern is that this announcement does not go far enough. The commitment does not include fixed-term leases, which is a critical piece of the puzzle if renters are to be given the housing security they so desperately need.

“As we stated in our policy platform, NCOSS and our members are of the view that no grounds evictions as a whole should be replaced with a range of specified reasonable grounds, and these should be applied to all types of leases.

"The devil is in the detail and consultation will be required. We will work with our members and partners to ensure the next Parliament implements these announced changes and introduces further measures to protect the rights of renters.”

The NCOSS Policy Platform called for an end of no-grounds evictions and other stronger protections for NSW renters.

Media contact: Billy Briggs | 0474 697 235

Download the media release.