The Greens have proposed setting up a new authority aimed at protecting renters from ‘dodgy’ landlords. The National Renters Protection Authority (NRPA) would be staffed by 1000 public servants and would have the power to investigate claims of rental breaches by landlords.
Greens housing spokesperson, Max Chandler-Mather told Channel 9 landlords and real estate agents not doing the right thing could face thousands of dollars in fines.
“Across this country, there are seven million renters who are powerless in their own home, unable to push back against unfair rent hikes, dodgy agents and landlords who never do basic repairs,” he said.
“In a system stacked against renters, the National Renters Protection Authority will fight to protect every renter’s right to a secure and affordable home.”
Under the proposed rules, first-time offences would attract fines of up to $3756 for individual landlords or real estate agents, and up to $18,700 for agencies.
Modelling from the Parliamentary Budget Office estimates the body would cost taxpayers around $200 million per year.
Would you support such a body being introduced? Or is it going after landlords too much?
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