When Paige’s fixed term tenancy agreement was coming to an end, she was offered a new agreement – with a rent increase from $440 to $635 per week – a 44% rise!
She contacted her agent with to try to negotiate a lesser increase, but the agent wasn’t negotiating! They make it clear that there were two options – either sign the agreement at the offered rate or find a new place to live because they would send a Notice to Leave for the ‘End of a Fixed Term’ agreement. This type of Notice to Leave is an eviction without reasonable grounds. The potential for agents to use these notices leaver renters powerless. It undermines their ability to pursue their rights (such as having repairs done) or negotiating any terms for fear of losing their home.
The situation was extremely stressful for Paige. Due to her personal situation she needed to remain in the area and she felt she had no option but to sign. Over the next year Paige will pay just over $10,000 in additional rent compared to last year, with no repairs or renovations done or planned. And she’ll still live in fear of eviction without any good reason at the end of the new fixed term agreement.
Help us change this by writing to your local MP today – using the form on the right of this screen. Together we can make renting fairer.
*Name has been changed for privacy reasons