The ACT Government has supported calls from Johnathan Davis MLA to consider a rental ombudsman in the ACT in order to provide better support and protection for renters.
In May 2023 Johnathan Davis, Greens MLA for Brindabella, called on the ACT Government to investigate the need for rental ombudsman in the ACT and look at models used in other jurisdictions.
Today, Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury formally responded to the motion, on behalf of the ACT Government, saying the Government would undertake further specific work on possible models for a rental ombudsman, because it “is clear that there are additional services worth considering for the ACT, many of which we can already observe operating elsewhere”.
“The Greens have delivered significant improvements to renters’ rights in the ACT,” said Johnathan Davis MLA.
“These rights will best help Canberrans if they are efficiently and consistently enforced, widely understood by renters, landlords and real estate agencies, and if there are as few barriers as possible to resolve breaches of rental laws.
“I am pleased to see the ACT Government support the need for a rental ombudsman, with investigations and community consultation showing that more can be done to improve the experience of renters.
“Many renters struggle to enforce their rights in a tenancy situation, while landlords and real estate agents often don’t understand their obligations to their tenants under tenancy laws.
“A rental ombudsman that has investigative, compliance and education functions would be a valuable addition to our housing toolbox, benefiting everyone involved in the private rental market.
“There’s still more to do to strengthen renters’ rights in the ACT – I have a Bill to freeze rent increases, improve our rent controls and close loopholes. The ACT Greens are committed to improving renters’ rights and addressing housing inequality in the ACT because we know that it’s becoming increasingly difficult being a renter in this city.
“Today we are one step closer to delivering a rental ombudsman for the ACT, so that every renter in our city can benefit from the ACT’s nation-leading renters’ rights,” said Mr Davis.
