Long fixed-terms submission
30/01/2017
The Tenants' Union of NSW made this submission to Fair Trading NSW in response to proposals that the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 could be amended to encourage landlords to offer longer fixed terms.
Summary
Improved security of tenure for residential tenants is a primary objective for the Tenants’ Union of NSW. Limiting the circumstances in which landlords can end tenancies, rather than allowing them to initiate terminations without grounds, is the most effective way to deliver this. Tenants should have confidence that while their home remains available for rent, and as long as they continue to meet their obligations under the residential tenancy agreement, they should not be asked to relocate without a reason.
It is not the current regulatory environment provided by the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 that prevents or discourages long fixed-term tenancy agreements, but the structure and composition of the NSW private rental market itself.
