Let them know: it's time to rein in the rent
28/10/2026
Everyone deserves a safe, affordable and reliable home. The next NSW Government needs to introduce rent regulation to back the state's 2.5 million renters and support safe, healthy, and affordable homes.
In NSW, excessive rent increases often force renters out of their homes as the rent becomes unaffordable. If prices of other essential goods, like groceries, rose in line with rents, a basket of everyday staples would cost $38.36, 158% more than in 2006 and 80% more than today's actual prices.
The cost of renting impacts housing security
Although no renter in NSW can be evicted without a valid reason, many people are one excessive rent increase away from being forced to move out of their homes.
In polling commissioned by the Tenants’ Union in 2024, 83% of renters reported they have seen a recent increase in their housing costs. In response to this, 84% are cutting back on discretionary spending or other household expenses. Over a quarter of renters (27%) shared they were considering moving to cope with rising housing costs.
Since 2025, rent increases have been limited to once every 12 months. However, the existing law on rent increases still allows the landlord to set the amount of the increase – with no transparency around their reasons, or justification. The onus is placed on the renter to undertake research for comparable rents for similar properties in their area to make a judgement on whether they might be successful in disputing the rent increase as excessive at the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT). There are many barriers to doing this research and pursuing an application at NCAT – cost, time and power imbalances to name a few.
It's time for rent regulation
The Tenants' Union calls on whoever forms the next NSW Government to introduce fair and balanced rent regulation laws – to build lasting stability and security for NSW renters. We believe stronger rent regulation will help balance the tenant-landlord relationship and provide a legal framework that gives transparency to both parties on rent increases.
Rent regulation is a proven way to improve affordability and bring back housing stability to renters under pressure. There are other essential services in NSW – energy, health, education and others – where the cost is regulated to ensure the service is accessible for everyone. The provision of housing is an essential service, yet rental prices are not similarly regulated to ensure accessibility.
The NSW Government must ensure tenancy laws set a fair and reasonable threshold for rent increases during a tenancy and between tenancies when tenants change.
Tell your MP: it's time to rein in the rent
Help us deliver the rent regulation message – send a digital postcard to your local Member of Parliament!
Since 2006, rent for a median 2-bedroom home has gone from $230 per week to $720 per week. That's a whopping 176%. If groceries kept pace with rent hikes since 2006, 2 avocados would cost over $8.21 (instead of roughly $3.18 a pair, which you pay today).
Everyone deserves a safe, affordable and reliable home!
More info
