Top Issues Tenants Face in New South Wales

Renting in New South Wales (NSW) comes with its unique set of challenges and opportunities. Whether it's navigating rent increases or understanding your responsibility for repairs, knowing your rights under the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 is crucial. In this guide, we highlight the most common issues renters face and provide practical tips on how to address them.

Understanding Common Renter Challenges in NSW

Being aware of the typical hurdles can help you manage and potentially avoid them. Here are some prominent issues tenants often confront:

1. Rent Increases

Rent increases can be concerning for tenants, especially if they appear unjustified. In NSW, landlords must provide at least 60 days' notice in writing for any rent increase in a periodic agreement. The notice must specify the new rent amount and the date it will commence.

If you believe an increase is unreasonable, you can apply to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) for a review. Remember to lodge your application within 30 days of receiving the notice.

2. Eviction Notices

Receiving an eviction notice can be distressing. It's important to know your rights and the correct procedures. An eviction notice should outline the reason for termination and provide the required notice period. For instance, a 'no grounds' eviction requires at least 90 days' notice.

If you think the eviction is unjust, consider seeking advice from a tenant advisory service and possibly challenging the notice at NCAT.

3. Repair and Maintenance Issues

Repairs can be a cause of frequent disputes between tenants and landlords. Under the Residential Tenancies Act, landlords must keep the property in a reasonable state of repair. Urgent repairs, such as a broken heater or blocked toilet, should be addressed promptly.

Tenants can use the Application for Residential Tenancies Conciliation form to formally request a resolution. If issues persist, lodging a complaint with Fair Trading may be necessary.

FAQ

1. What can I do if my rent is increased unfairly? You can challenge a rent increase by applying to NCAT for a review if you believe it's unreasonable. Ensure you lodge your application within 30 days of receiving the rent increase notice.
2. How should I respond to an eviction notice? First, verify that the eviction notice complies with the law in terms of notice period and reason. If it doesn't, or if you disagree with the terms, consider lodging a challenge at NCAT.
3. How do I handle unresolved repair issues? Document all communications and attempts to rectify the issue. You may apply for a tenancy conciliation process through Fair Trading.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

For further assistance and information, reach out to these resources:

• Tenants' Union of NSW - support and advice for renters
• NSW Fair Trading - guidelines for resolving tenancy issues
• NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal - handling disputes and applications

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4. Key Takeaways: Always review notices thoroughly, document all correspondence, and know the support channels available to you in NSW for tenant-related issues.

Categories

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