Starting a tenancy – news and analysis

 

New Renters Kit cover showing people in front of a 'leased' sign

New Renters Kit

Renting can be tricky to navigate, especially if you are new to renting in New South Wales or haven’t rented for a while. The Tenants’ Union of NSW has made this kit to help renters put the…
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NEWTAAS staff

NEWTAAS Annual Report 2023

This year the New England and Western Tenants Advice and Advocacy Service is celebrating our 21st year of operation. Our Annual Report summarises our work and also includes a selection of…
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woman hanging a sign saying 'home sweet home'

National 9 Principles for Strengthening Renters' Rights

The National Association of Renters' Organisations has just released a new report, The National Nine: Principles for Strengthening Renters' Rights. The Principles are: Stability,…
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wallpaper

Submission: Improving NSW Rental Laws

We encourage readers of this submission to understand renting as an essential service. People require not just basic shelter but a good home to live a safe, healthy and dignified life. Homes are…
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Sample letter

Request to keep a pet

You can use this sample letter to request permission to keep a pet. There is no term in the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 that prohibits you from keeping a pet, or that requires you to ask for…
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Sample letter

Character reference

Character references are used to vouch for you as a person and a potential tenant. Character references for rental applications often highlight parts of your personality that might appeal to a…
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Sample letter

Rental history letter

This letter could be used if you have limited rental history in NSW but want to establish that you are able to pay the rent and maintain a tenancy. You might use this letter if you lived in a…
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Sample letter

Cover letter for rental application

Cover letters are not required in rental applications. However, it can be helpful to write a letter to the landlord introducing yourself and anyone else who will be living at the property. Note…
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Listings for rentals from an old newspaper

Modernising Consumer Protection in Renting: From Individualised to Systemic Protections

Over the last 50 years, tenancy acts have been directed by the results of the national inquiry conducted by Ron Sackville as part of the Whitlam poverty inquiries. The recommendations of that…
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Speak up now to improve rental laws

Renters, have your say!

The NSW Government has now opened a consultation on Improving NSW renting laws. Now’s your chance to have your say on the changes needed to make renting fair!
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Coastal town in NSW, aerial shot. Image: Bailey Clark @blclark

Tenants' Union hopes newly appointed Rental Commissioner will elevate the conversation about renting in NSW

The Tenants’ Union of NSW congratulates and welcomes the newly appointed NSW Rental Commissioner, Trina Jones. The Rental Commissioner will play an important role in elevating the conversation…
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Tenants' Union logo

Renting and Housing Advocates: ‘NSW Government is Listening'

Renting and housing advocates say the NSW Government is listening and committed to improving the rental system as the government announces the Rental Commissioner will explore further how best…
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