NEWCASTLE renters are invited to tell it how it is at a forum with the NSW Rental Commissioner just as parliament inches closer to debating rental law reform.
The face-to-face forum is a chance for renters to speak up about subjects from mould and repairs to the cost of living, energy, and climate resilience.
During each session, renters will be invited to discuss and devise policy solutions they think would best address issues and deliver a better private rental market.
The Newcastle forum, at NUspace from 5 to 7pm on Thursday (October 17) follows three earlier sessions held in Sydney.
Speaking to the Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill introduced to NSW Parliament on Tuesday (October 15), the Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading, Anoulack Chanthivong said the Bill was the next step in making renting fairer.
It would end no-grounds evictions for fixed terms and periodic leases, and make it easier for renters to keep pets, he said.
"The bill will also limit how often rent can be increased, ban renters from being asked to pay for background checks and ensure renters have a free and convenient way to pay their rent," Mr Chanthivong said.
Nicole Grgas, Coordinator of the Hunter Tenant Advice and Advocacy Service which is co-delivering the forum with the Tenants Union NSW and the NSW Rental Commissioner Trina Jones, said her team was still working through the details of the Bill.
They were pleased to see action on ending no grounds, pets, and to limit rent increases to once per year, she said.
"The proposed legislation does not provide limits or guidance though on the amount rent can increase and we have seen this issue come up for many more renters in the region," Ms Grgas said.
"We are seeing long term renters priced out of their communities."
Renters keen to attend must register online.
