Better Deal for Renters – report card

As campaigning begins in the lead up to the Federal election on the 3rd May 2025 the National Association of Renters’ Organisations (NARO) is calling for urgent, decisive action to give renters a fair go across all States and Territories.

It's vital that renters who make up 30% of all Australian households are taken seriously by our next Federal Government. 

18 months on since the National Cabinet announced the Better Deal for Renters with the goal of harmonising and strengthening renters rights there is still significant work required to enhance the renting experience of Australians. 

NARO’s report card assessing progress of all States and Territories in implementing the Better Deal for Renters is attached. 

• We are urging the Federal Government to step up by committing to robust mechanisms to monitor the rollout of these reforms.
• We are advocating for mechanisms to incentivise State and Territory governments to implement the nine principles outlined in the Better Deal for Renters, alongside additional principles from NARO’s National Nine report.
• We are calling for Federal funding for NARO to provide expert advice informed by the experience of tens of thousands of renters accessing our member services to transform the renting experience for Australians and make sure renters have a seat at the table.

Penny Carr, Convenor of National Association of Renters’ Organisations and CEO of Tenants Queensland says “Every Australian renter deserves the right to live in a safe and affordable home, free from the fear of arbitrary eviction. It is unacceptable that the extent of this protection varies significantly depending on the jurisdiction. Australian renters deserve better.”

“While progress has been made, key issues remain unaddressed for Queensland renters, who are lagging behind those in the other major states and some smaller jurisdictions. Queensland renters remain vulnerable to unreasonable rent increases and most face the constant threat of eviction without cause.”

Leo Patterson Ross, Spokesperson for National Association of Renters’ Organisations and CEO of Tenants’ Union NSW says “Renting needs to be brought into the 21st century, with rules that reflect renting as a respected way of housing yourself and your family. Ensuring that renters’ experiences and voices are genuinely heard in federal government on matters that impact them is crucial to good policy development.”

Jennifer Beveridge, CEO, Tenants Victoria says “The Victorian experience shows that a better deal for renters is possible through national coordination. As we’ve seen in Victoria, renting can be more fair.”

Ben Bartl, Principal Solicitor with the Tenants' Union of Tasmania says “It is very disappointing that there has been no change in Tasmania's rental laws since the Batter Deal for Renters was agreed to in August 2023. We are calling on the State Government to implement all nine commitments agreed to as a matter of urgency.”

Corrine Dobson, CEO, ACT Shelter says “While we are proud that the ACT has for many years led the way having just cause evictions and fair rent increase protections the report card shows that work still needs to be done by the ACT Government to ensure the main issues renters face are effectively dealt with.”

For media enquiries contact:

Penny Carr, Convenor of National Association of Renters’ Organisations
0418 747 921

Leo Patterson Ross, Spokesperson for National Association of Renters’ Organisations 
0431 751 599

Damien Patterson, Director of Policy, Advocacy and Engagement, Tenants Victoria
0420 783 594

Ben Bartl, Principal Solicitor with the Tenants' Union of Tasmania
0417 032 832

Corrine Dobson, CEO, ACT Shelter
02 5134 2969