Tenants who damage public housing and those convicted of rental fraud will face new sanctions and eviction under a Bill passed by the NSW Government.
Member for Lismore Thomas George and Minister for Social Housing Pru Goward said the Bill, which amends the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 and Housing Act 2001, would lead to a fairer, safer and more financially sustainable social housing system.
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The Bill also gives the Government the power to make tenants who have caused significant damage to their public housing property pay a rental bond. This will not apply to tenants who do the right thing.
“This Bill means that those doing the wrong thing in public housing are held to account,” Mr George said.
“In the Lismore, Tweed, Kyogle and Tenterfield council areas the NSW Government is working to address a shortage of public housing, with many individuals and families desperate to get a roof over their heads.
“Tenants that wreck their properties, or receive a benefit that they do not deserve are disadvantaging those genuinely in need.”
Minister for Social Housing Pru Goward welcome the passage of the legislation.
“It can cost tens of thousands of dollars to fix up a house after it has been damaged by a tenant and those responsible will now be held to account”, Ms Goward said.
“This Bill will ensure that the Government can take appropriate action against the small minority of tenants who do not value their property.”
Tenancy bonds form part of the NSW Government’s commitment to combat bad behaviour in public housing, which includes recent changes to strengthen its Antisocial Behaviour Policy by directing those who do the wrong thing to support services.
