Unions Calling For Tenancy Changes

The Australian Council of Trade Unions is calling for rental leases to be extended to at least two years.

It is calling on the Federal Government to introduce the new national standard as well as stronger protections against unfair evictions and rent gouging.

Under the proposals, renters will be able to choose a shorter lease agreement if they wish.

ACTU President Michele O’Neil says they have entered the debate as a lot of workers find securing housing very stressful and not affordable.

“What we see when leases end is that’s often a time when rents go up, and people having to move constantly makes it really hard to find accommodation near where you work,” she says.

“Workers need to live close to work. Otherwise, all the money they are earning is getting taken up either in rents or mortgages or in paying for the commute to get to work.

“Having housing in the regions and communities where we need our nurses, teachers and aged care workers to be able to live is a really critical thing that we need to do to support workers.”