A new report card released yesterday by the National Association of Renters’ Organisations and National Shelter shows that, two years after National Cabinet promised a “Better Deal for Renters,” most governments have failed to deliver meaningful reforms. Millions of renters are still exposed to unfair rent hikes, arbitrary evictions and unsafe homes. For the one-third of Australians who rent, basic rights and housing stability are still dictated by postcode.

The National Association of Renters’ Organisations and National Shelter are calling for urgent, decisive action to give renters a fair go across all states and territories.

● 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.

The 2-year performance report card assessing progress of all states and territories in implementing the Better Deal for Renters is attached. At the height of a rental crisis, some state and territory governments have fallen short in supporting renters, resulting in families facing arbitrary evictions, unfair rent hikes, invasive rental application processes and unsafe homes.