The Minns Labor Government is stepping up its support for tenants throughout New South Wales by increasing funding for Tenants Advice & Advocacy Services. This boost will ensure that renters receive crucial assistance when they need it most.

This robust network consists of 21 local, non-profit organizations dedicated to helping tenants understand their rights, facilitating negotiations, resolving disputes, and providing advocacy at the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal. With the new funding, support from NSW Fair Trading will rise by $1 million annually until 2028, bringing total funding for the 2024-25 financial year to $16.2 million.

This increase in funding comes shortly after the Minns Labor Government implemented the most comprehensive rental reform measures in over a decade. Key reforms include:

Prohibiting no grounds evictions

Allowing only one rent increase per year

Easing pet access in rental properties

Ensuring no-fee options for rent payments

Banning renters from paying for background checks

In addition to these significant reforms aimed at aiding tenants across the state, NSW Fair Trading addressed 393,000 rental inquiries last financial year. For those needing more assistance, local Tenants Advice & Advocacy Services offer free support.

The network responds to around 30,000 requests annually from renters in both private and social housing, boarders, lodgers, and residents of land lease communities. Each year, approximately 10,000 tenants receive ongoing assistance.

For more information on the Tenants Advice & Advocacy Services, please visit their website.

Statements from Officials

Minister for Fair Trading and Better Regulation Anoulack Chanthivong remarked, "New South Wales is home to millions of renters from various backgrounds and communities across the state. The Tenants Advice & Advocacy Service offers critical support through a network of skilled advocates committed to ensuring all tenants have access to quality advice and advocacy. This funding boost will extend services to even more renters while keeping this vital resource accessible for free. It is a significant move toward achieving a fairer system for renters."

NSW Rental Commissioner Trina Jones added, "This funding will deliver essential support to the millions of renters in NSW. The tenant advice program empowers local communities, enabling Fair Trading to enhance its outreach and assistance for renters. This funding exemplifies the NSW Government's dedication to supporting tenants statewide."

Leo Patterson Ross, Chief Executive Officer of Tenants Union of NSW, stated, "We appreciate this additional funding, which will allow renters to access expert, free advice and practical advocacy through the Tenants’ Advice and Advocacy Program. This funding increase ensures we can maintain the high quality of service that has supported tenants for over 30 years. Our services are crucial for fairly resolving disputes, helping renters understand their rights, and reducing unnecessary tribunal applications. We look forward to collaborating with the NSW Government to address funding needs as the renting population continues to grow and as important tenancy reforms are implemented."