The NSW Government has appointed its first-ever rental commissioner in a role it has termed will be a “voice for renters”.
Trina Jones, the former chief executive of Homelessness Australia, will officially step into the role on August 7 and part of her role will be to work with government and stakeholders on the recently announced rental reforms currently open for public consultation.
The reforms include ending no grounds evictions, making it easier for renters to have pets, introducing a portable bond scheme and improving protection of renters’ information and privacy.
“In taking on the role of rental commissioner, my mission is to amplify the voice of renters, help strengthen their rights and improve the fairness of the rental market,” Ms Jones said.
“I look forward to working closely and productively with government, industry, renters and owners across our state as we collaboratively search for solutions to our housing challenges.”
Ms Jones will also be responsible for identifying and investigating other issues that impact the NSW rental market.
She will examine rental affordability and supply, encourage longer term rental agreements, investigate ways to improve energy efficiency for renters, develop educational resources for renters and owners, and monitor current tenancy laws.
Premier of NSW Chris Minns said appointing the state’s first rental commissioner was an important step in giving renters a voice.
“Anyone who rents in NSW knows just how anxious and challenging the process can be to find suitable accommodation, not to mention the rent increases and cost of living pressures,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to working with the new commissioner to make our state a fairer place for both renters and owners.
“We can’t fix years of problems in the rental market overnight, but we have already made a start and we are determined to do more.”
Minister for Fair Trading and Better Regulation Anoulack Chanthivong said the commissioners job was to “advocate and drive meaningful change.
“The housing challenge isn’t just about affordability, it’s about amenity too – and we need rules that let renters get on with their lives with the rights and security they need,” he said.
“We’re consulting now on changes to improve stability and fairness in the rental market. I’m looking forward to working with Trina to bring this work together by the end of the year.”
