The Report was commissioned by the state government to answer the question of how well the public housing system is addressing the needs of tenants in NSW.
One key problem identified by the report was the state of repair of many Housing NSW properties. The Report found that a quarter of public housing properties are over 40 years old.
These ageing properties require more maintenance and repairs but over the past decade, Housing NSW’s spending on maintenance has decreased rather than increased.
There’s a growing shortfall in funds to maintain properties. In the past year, approximately $85 million worth of maintenance and upgrades have been delayed due to funding constraints. For tenants, this means longer waits for repairs, especially if they are major.
RLC regularly assists tenants who live in Housing NSW properties that are in a bad state of disrepair. The process of applying to the Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal (CTTT) to have repairs done can be daunting. In instances where tenants do take action at the CTTT, it is RLC’s experience that there can be significant delays with compliance. Tenants can renew proceedings in the CTTT if the orders are not complied with, which involves returning to the Tribunal. This process is stressful and frustrating for tenants who have already taking steps to compel the repairs.
In response to the large number of cases where Housing NSW did not comply with Tribunal orders, RLC lodged a complaint with the NSW Ombudsman. RLC’s complaint has resulted in new procedures and training being put in place by Housing NSW.
The Auditor-General’s Report indicated huge stress on the public housing system. It found that only 44 percent of the need for public housing in NSW is being met and that fewer people are receiving public housing than ten years ago. The Report concluded that without a change to current practice and an approach that incorporates long-term planning, “…the housing portfolio will decline in terms of dwelling numbers and standard.”
