Submission: Easy and Transparent Trading

The Tenants' Union of NSW made this submission on the Department of Finance, Services and Innovation's Easy and Transparent Trading Consultation Paper.

We support the intent of the consultation paper to improve transparency and consumer choice, but warn that neither of the current proposals will achieve this and run real risks of worsening consumer experience.

We know the Minister and the Department are also committed to ensuring a more positive experience for the consumers of New South Wales including renters. We hope our comments are taken in the spirit of that joint commitment and look forward to working further with the Minister and Department to further our shared goals.

Our comments are focussed on two parts of the Consultation Paper: the proposed repeal of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1899 and the Landlord and Tenant (Amendment) Act 1948; and the legalisation of bond surety products in the residential tenancies sector.