The Minns Government has announced new reforms to combat rising housing stress in New South Wales and make renting fairer for tenants across the state, introducing new laws to end “no-ground evictions”.

Around a third of the population in NSW are renting, and as it stands there are no laws in place to protect renters from being evicted without reason. 

Under the new laws, reasonable grounds for eviction include where the renter is at fault (breach of lease, property damage or non-payment of rent), the property is to be sold, significant renovations are to be made, change of use, the landlord intends to move into the home or the tenant is no longer a part of the affordable housing program.

The proposed legislation aims to combat housing insecurity and stress that 59.2 percent of low to moderate income households experience, according to the 2021 Census. 

The Real Estate Institute of NSW (REINSW) has criticised the reform. 

Tim McKibbin, CEO of REINSW has grave concerns on real estate becoming a “less attractive” investment for investors. “The cruel irony for tenants is that every time you make residential property a less attractive investment, the more you drive investors away, and the less homes there are to rent”, McKibbin points out.

On the other side of the fence, The Tenants Union of NSW has applauded the government’s decision, calling the reform a “win for renters’ rights in NSW”. 

Kiama’s population continues to rise, with the overall population set to increase to 26,000 by 2026, new housing will be required to accommodate the growing community, and according to Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Minister for Youth Rose Jackson, rental reforms will be “crucial to rebuilding our housing system.”

According to data from REA Group, 283 renters were interested in properties in the Kiama region in the past month, with a serious imbalance of 12 houses available for rent. 

Premier Chris Minns highlighted this ‘anxious’ and ‘challenging’ process of securing a rental property in the state, noting the “lines on Saturday morning with hundreds of people waiting to inspect new properties.”

No-grounds eviction legislation will be introduced to parliament next month.

Have you experienced housing stress in Kiama or have a renting story to share? Email us [email protected] to tell your story.