Make Renting Fair

Make Renting Fair2022-09-09T16:54:21+09:30
Make Renting Fair

 

South Australia has Joined #MakeRentingFair!

Shelter SA is leading the South Australian charge to improve the rights of renters living on low incomes. We want renters’ voices to be heard in the review of South Australia's Residential Tenancies Act (1995). Take a look at our Moving On survey and report that shine a light on how tenancies end and inform our advocacy on making renting fair. We know there are many areas of interest for renters living on low incomes, but our focus is on three main messages.

Pet-Friendly Rentals

Pets are an important part of the family and should not be left behind. For people living on low incomes and trying to find affordable rental properties, owning a pet can be just another barrier to the private rental market. Read our Positive Pet Policy to understand the reasons behind our push for an increase in pet-friendly rentals. You can also read the comments we have received from renters who have shared their experiences of renting with pets.

Private renters are often forced to give up their pets (which often end up being euthanised) or face discrimination in the private rental market. We would like to see specific provisions in the Residential Tenancies Act (1995) to enable tenants to rent with pets - read our Position Statement on "pet-friendly" rentals.

Abolish No-Cause Evictions

The provisions for "no-cause" evictions in the Residential Tenancies Act (1995) mean that landlords and/or agents can terminate a tenancy without specifying any grounds for termination. Not only does this undermine the idea of having a legal agreement in the first place, it also enables discrimination against tenants, including those receiving welfare payments - read our Position Statement on "no-cause" evictions. No-case evictions cause extra uncertainty for people living on low incomes as it is hard enough obtaining an affordable rental in the competitive private rental market. We would also like the non-renewal of leases without a breach of agreement be abolished.

Housing System Advocacy

Every State and Territory in Australia has a dedicated tenant resource organisation with the exception of South Australia. Read Shelter SA's Private Renter Policy & Advocacy Project, where we explored the need for and possibility of increasing the private rental tenant resources that are available in South Australia. Vulnerable tenants, as well as people living on low incomes, must be aware of their rights and where to go for assistance with their tenancies and we are pleased that the Rent Right SA service is now available to assist renters. However, States and Territories also fund their Shelter organisations, with the exception of South Australia, to conduct housing system advocacy and research.

Get Involved

We want to see photos of your pets and hear your renter stories. We would like the Residential Tenancies Act to provide stronger rights for renters living on low incomes and we want renters’ voices to be heard. Use our social media platforms and tag us so that we can collect the stories. Please use and follow the hashtag #MakeRentingFair and not only will you see what’s happening in South Australia, but you can also follow interstate activity too!

1. Subscribe to our enews
2. Follow us or like us on at least one of our social media platforms

                

Supporters

Please contact us if you represent a South Australian organisation that wishes to support #MakeRentingFair and we will add your logo to our website page.

Our #MakeRentingFair supporters: 

#MakeRentingFair Campaigns Across Australia