The Greens have tabled a bill which seeks to give renters real rights, and end unfair evictions. Both major parties have committed to ending no cause evictions, so the Greens are bringing these changes forward so they can make good on their promises to renters.
Renters shouldn’t have to give up their homes without a legitimate reason. But at the moment, Tasmanians can be kicked out of their rental home for no other reason than their lease ending.
In practise, it allows landlords to shirk their responsibility to do necessary maintenance, not renewing the leases of tenants who ask for the bare minimum. The result is that renters are too scared to ask for their mouldy carpet to be replaced or their dodgy heater to be serviced in case their landlord kicks them out at the end of their lease.
Landlords can use the end of leases to remove tenants for no other reason than to jack up the rent. Our changes still allow landlords to remove a tenant for a legitimate reason, such as the tenant causing damage to the property or not paying their rent, or where the owner wants to move in or sell the house.
Housing is a human right, and it’s already hard enough for Tasmanians to find a safe and affordable home in the cost of living and housing crises. Renters need real rights, and they shouldn’t be evicted without a fair cause.
Our changes would bring Tasmania into line with ACT, SA, NSW and Victoria who have all ended unfair evictions with no justification. SA and NSW ended no cause evictions last year to deliver on the National Cabinet’s plan for a Better Deal for Renters.
Both the Tasmanian Liberals and Federal Labor signed onto the Better Deal for Renters, and Labor agreed to ending no cause evictions before the last state election. We encourage the major parties to live up to their promises, and support our move to give renters real rights.
