ACT Legislative Assembly passes bill to ban no-cause evictions

The ACT has become the first Australian jurisdiction to ban no-cause evictions with NSW expected to follow suit. Here’s what it means for tenants.

The ACT becomes the first Australian Jurisdiction to ban no-cause eviction. NSW is expected to follow suit. Picture: supplied.

The ACT has become the first Australian jurisdiction to ban no-cause evictions, with NSW expected to follow suit regardless of who wins the state election.

The bill passed the ACT Legislative Assembly on Tuesday after Greens and Labor Party MLA’s voted for the Residential Tenancies Legislation Amendment Bill.

Beyond banning no-cause evictions, the bill will also prohibit landlords and agents from asking for or encouraging rent bids and will allow tenants greater freedom to grow their own food and compost.

ACT Greens leader Shane Rattenbury. Picture: Julia Kanapathippillai

ACT Greens leader and Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury, who tabled the bill in November, said it was important for tenants to feel like their house was a home.

“Rental conditions in the ACT are already very challenging, with rising rents and limited supply,” he said.

“We have heard from the community that no-cause evictions have a profoundly negative impact on renters, either because of the eviction itself, or because it stops renters being able to raise other legitimate concerns out of fear of eviction.”

Mr Rattenbury said the rights of landlords would still be recognised, stating tenancies could still be ended for “genuine reason” such as selling the property or breach of rental agreements.

The reforms will come into force from April 1.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet matched Labor’s commitment to ban no-cause evictions in NSW: NCA Newswire / Gaye Gerard

Across the border in NSW both the Coalition and Labor Party have promised to ban no-cause evictions if elected on March 25.

Earlier this month NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet announced if elected he would implement a “reasonable grounds” model for periodic lease evictions.

Beyond banning no-grounds evictions NSW Labor’s rental policy includes outlawing rental bidding, introducing a portable bond scheme, and establishing an independent rental commissioner.