A federation of tenants’ unions and advice services has released nine calls for rental reform action including an end to no-cause evictions, fair limits on rent increases, minimum rental standards, and greater privacy protections.

Ahead of Wednesday’s National Cabinet meeting, National Association of Renters’ Organisations (NARO) Convenor Penny Carr said governments have an obligation to fix the common problems renters experience.

“This week’s meeting is an opportunity for our leaders to make genuine progress on rental reforms,” Ms Carr said.

“Renters who are struggling to find an affordable home, on the verge of eviction, too scared to request repairs, and experiencing discrimination can’t keep hoping for change - they are desperately relying on all governments to take action now. 

“For a growing number of Australians, renting is no longer a temporary step - it’s a lifelong reality. Our recommendations for rental reform will create the stable, affordable, liveable, accountable and safe private rental market that renters need and deserve. 

“During today’s housing crisis, there are stronger, more uniform protections for consumers at the checkout than there is in renting a home. Improving renters rights and protections requires national consistency. The Federal Government must step in just as it has in developing a consistent approach to state and territory legislation in other areas.

“We need secure, affordable and decent homes not only for renters, but for the economy and our whole community. A quality home is the key to improving other outcomes including health, education and employment.”

The national nine principles to strengthen renter’s rights:

1.    Stability - ending all no cause terminations

2.    Affordability - stabilise rent prices

3.    Liveability - minimum standards for all rental homes, including energy efficiency

4.    Compliance and accountability - accessible and robust frameworks to ensure laws are effective

5.   Use of bonds - independent rental authorities to hold, safeguard and manage tenants’ money and provide prompt return and a source for resourcing services that benefit renters

6.   Protection of private information and discrimination - transparency and protections in relation to collection and unlawful use of information

7.   Support/advice and advocacy for all renters

8.   Universality of protections for all people renting their home

9.   Using data to inform policy