Arafath Mannan, a 38-year-old father living in Riverwood, Sydney, faced an unexpected eviction notice that would be deemed illegal under new laws in New South Wales (NSW). He had been a resident since 2017, weathering various life changes such as full-time jobs, surgeries, the COVID-19 pandemic, job losses, marriage, and the birth of his daughter.
In August of the previous year, Mannan renewed his lease, which included a rent increase from $650 to $720 per week. Shortly thereafter, he received a no-grounds eviction notice, requiring him to vacate the property within 90 days without any explanation. Feeling blindsided, Mannan expressed his confusion, especially since he had just renewed his lease and believed he was settled.
The landlord claimed they intended to move in and renovate, but after Mannan’s eviction, he discovered the property was back on the market at the same rental price. This led Mannan to feel personally wronged, questioning what he had done to deserve such treatment. After some time, the rent for the property was eventually lowered to $700 per week.
Fortunately, Mannan managed to find another rental just 150 metres from his former home. However, he incurred financial losses, including about $630 from his bond for repairs and over $300 in moving expenses.
Recently, new rental reforms in NSW that ban no-grounds evictions went into effect, mandating that landlords must provide a valid reason for eviction, such as lease violations, damage, non-payment of rent, or selling the property. Non-compliance will be addressed by the Rental Taskforce.
Housing and Homelessness Minister Rose Jackson highlighted that renters will no longer face the fear of eviction without just cause. While some welcomed these reforms, Mannan expressed skepticism regarding their effectiveness. He voiced concerns that landlords could still impose rent increases, ultimately forcing tenants who cannot afford it to vacate, or choose to sell their rental properties. He stated that while the reforms may appear beneficial on paper, they do not guarantee security for renters. Mannan concluded that a fundamental solution would be increased property supply to address the ongoing housing crisis.