Our Stories

Three years into her tenancy, Brianna's rental experience started to sour. First, a newly appointed real estate agent placed the household on a fixed-term lease and increased their rent by 19%. Then, in the spring of 2023, an eviction notice came, with no explanation or reason for the eviction provided.

Since the divorce, Dave and his kids have been forced to move many times—never by choice. Two of his most recent leases ended with a no-grounds termination.

Faizan and Emma received a notice of an increase in rent from $850 to $920 a week. Their response was to accept the increase under the condition that the repairs they had been asking for be finally done. When no work was carried out, Faizan filed a complaint with the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal. A week later, the couple received a no grounds eviction notice.

Nicole is an artist and a long-time resident of Sydney’s Inner West. Prior to getting a 'no grounds' eviction, Nicole and others in her building were asked to accept a $200 rent increase.

"All landlords have their standards and these are very competitive. When I saw houses, I didn’t have time to think. I had to immediately submit applications to see who would accept me."

"The problem with the renting system is the power imbalance between landlords and tenants, and this can only be solved by taking steps to decouple people's homes from other people's investments. We are sacrificing people's dignity in the name of returns."

Lauren and her partner Jason have been renting together in Sydney since 2016 and have been in their current rental since April 2023. This follows two no grounds eviction notices in two years.

"The landlord told me he was selling, he lied. If he had been honest then I would have had options. Being put in this situation dictates your life, you feel completely out of control. It’s not a good feeling."

"It’s very stressful. Every day we find ourselves discussing the budget, how we can manage to stay in the area. A lot of people are struggling right now but they’re not speaking – I want to speak on behalf of everyone in this situation."