No-grounds eviction debate splits WA tenants and landlords, as polling shows support for reform

ABC NEWS (Australia)

Landlords evicting renters without giving a specific reason is a contentious practice, and there's growing momentum to outlaw it in WA. Advocates say tenants should be able to live without the fear of losing their homes through no fault of their own but real estate agents argue landlords should be allowed to terminate a lease when they see fit.

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00:02It's moving day, but for all the wrong reasons.

00:06Eleanor Carlo's 15 months at this rental in Perth has been messy.

00:10The reason we're here Eleanor is there is a court order.

00:13She alleges the property manager didn't address cleaning and maintenance issues.

00:18Have you got anything else to get out?

00:20Ah, yeah.

00:20In emails seen by the ABC, the real estate agency told Ms Carlo they were doing everything they could

00:26and alleged she was rude and aggressive towards staff.

00:29The details of her case are disputed by both sides.

00:33Eventually, Ms Carlo was notified her lease had been terminated without cause.

00:39We have somewhere to go, but for those who don't, if there's no effect on the owner, why on earth

00:49can't they stay?

00:51The Make Renting Fair Alliance says they commissioned polling of more than 750 West Australians.

00:56It found 80% of those surveyed support ending no grounds evictions.

01:02If we want people to be able to contribute in all sorts of ways to our communities, they need the

01:06stability of being able to keep a roof over their heads if they rent.

01:09And what that means is that we need fairer rules for renting.

01:12But the Real Estate Institute of WA argues leases are generally only terminated without grounds in worst case scenarios with

01:20disruptive tenants.

01:21The only times we would use would fall back on no grounds and not giving a ground would potentially be

01:29where we would be concerned.

01:31It always seems to be leaning towards the tenant side, but there's landlords out there doing it tough as well.

01:37I mean, this is your biggest asset.

01:39Change could be on the horizon.

01:40State Cabinet has given the green light for legislation to be drafted, and the ABC understands the Cook government is

01:46set to make an announcement within weeks.

01:48State Cabinet has called the Real Estate Institute of WA Public Library and the administrative apparatus.

01:48State Blueneca University

01:49State Blueneca University

01:50State Blueneca University

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