NEWS

Research: Energy efficiency in NSW social housing

radiator with text overlay. text reads "How energy efficient is your public or community housing home?"
Researchers at UNSW Sydney (The University of New South Wales), the University of Wollongong, CSIRO and the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage are seeking volunteer research participants to learn about the energy efficiency and thermal comfort levels of public and community housing in NSW.
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Half of all apartments in NSW to have no say in short term letting rules

Picture reads "Half of all apartments in NSW to have no say in short term letting rules"
Today’s announcement from the NSW Government in relation to short term holiday lettings is disappointing as it will not effectively protect against the potential impacts of holiday lettings and excludes many tenants from engaging in community decisions.
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Track rents in your local area – new postcode tool for tenants

Postcode Rent Tracker graphic
Today the Tenants' Union has released the first version of a new tool to help tenants in NSW. We believe the more information people who rent have the better, and now using data directly from the Rental Bond Board, you can check what the latest rents data is for any postcode in NSW with the Rent Tracker Postcode Tool.
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Government takes step in the right direction but needs to walk all the way with tenants

Redfern tenants showing support for the Make Renting Fair campaign
The Tenants’ Union welcomes the NSW government’s announcement of reforms this week for survivors of domestic and family violence in rented homes but urges action to make renting fair.
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David and Goliath: One tenant’s 14-year battle for repairs

David Bott
Public housing tenant David Bott
David Bott’s long-running battle in the Tribunal shone a light on a serious issue which public housing tenants know all too well: the systematic failure of FACS to do necessary repairs. After 14 years, FACS made the necessary repairs, but only after getting dangerously close to being found in contempt of the Tribunal. Thanks to David’s tenacity, his case has also paved the way for significant changes to the way FACS will deal with repairs issues.
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New website for social housing

Screen shot of Family and Community Services site. Main text reads: We're here to help with housing. Find out how we can help with housing, how to apply, understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant or request help with a property
There is a new version of the Family and Community Services website being built. The new site is bringing together a variety of FACS websites, including the sites for Housing, Housing Pathways and the old Aging, Disability and Home Care. We encourage all tenants, tenant advocates and community workers to visit the site and leave feedback.
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Research into housing for younger people

Swinburne logo
Are you living at home, sharing or renting on your housing? Are you aged between 18-35 years? Help make a difference for better housing choices.
Have your say on the type of housing young people want to live in today & in the future and receive a $50 Coles/Myer voucher for your time.
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Share Housing in Sydney: Questionnaire

Computer mobile phone and blank book laying on a wooden table
Older people are increasingly living in share accommodation. Simultaneously, there is an increasing use of ‘smart’ technologies that influence people’s access to and experience of housing. The University of Sydney is carrying out research covering both these issues and you can help!
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