Submission: To the Social Policy Committee of the Legislative Assembly inquiry into international student accomodation in NSW

In our long history of experience in tenancy matters, we have identified that international students are vulnerable in their housing as unscrupulous landlords and head-tenants specifically target them. Additionally, they do not have the same support networks that other students may have available to them. This factors contributed to RLC's decision to establish a state-wide International Students' Clinic. 

Our view in summary

Our submission recommended the introduction of laws to cover people falling outside the Residential Tenancy Act 2010 (NSW). At RLC, we are contacted by international students living in appalling conditions, almost on a daily basis. International students often face very arbitrary and immediate rent increases or evictions. Often, international students are not protected by tenancy legislation due to exemptions in the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (NSW). 

NSW, unlike other states, does not have specific legislation to cover residents that fall outside the Act. Individuals who are not covered must resort to a complex web of consumer and common law, which is often inappropriate for housing issues due to immediate evictions. 

Introducing legislation for occupants who fall outside the Act would greatly benefit international students. Not only would it assist occupants to enforce their rights, such as their right to have notice periods and get repairs done, it would reduce the incentive for landlords or head tenants to create housing situations which evade the Act.