The WA Government is joining the majority of other states and territories to implement a nationally agreed end to no cause evictions. With Tasmanian renters struggling in the fuel crisis and vacancy rates at record lows, the Liberals must take action now to pause no cause evictions.
This week, the WA Government announced they will end no grounds evictions. They join NSW, Victoria, ACT and SA in implementing the National Cabinet Better Deal for Renters agreement to end unfair evictions.
This reform is a critical step in protecting renters. No one should be unfairly kicked out of their home for no other reason than their lease ending. A safe and affordable place to live isn’t just a basic necessity, it’s basic a human right.
The Tasmanian Government also signed up to the Better Deal for Renters, yet Tasmanian renters remain able to be evicted without cause from their homes. It means landlords can kick out renters at the end of their lease to avoid doing necessary maintenance or just to jack up the rents.
Tenants were already struggling to pay their rent, but it worse with the fuel crisis hiking up the price of essentials. If renters are unfairly evicted from their home during this crisis, it’s going to be harder than ever to find an affordable place to live. With the public housing waitlist at record levels, Tasmania cannot afford to have any more renters bumped out of the private market.
The Liberals continue to refuse to implement a rent freeze, despite renters struggling to pay record high rents during the fuel crisis. With any changes from Tenancy Act review months away and winter approaching, the Liberal Government has the responsibility to ensure renters aren’t left out in the cold.
The crisis we’re in now requires action. Premier Rockliff should follow in the footsteps of his predecessor and pause no cause evictions during this crisis.
