23/09/2025
A new report card released today by the National Association of Renters’ Organisations and National Shelter shows that, two years after National Cabinet promised a “Better Deal for Renters,” most governments have failed to deliver meaningful reforms. Millions of renters are still exposed to unfair rent hikes, arbitrary evictions and unsafe homes. For the one-third of Australians who rent, basic rights and housing stability are still dictated by postcode.
The ACT has made progress in a number of areas, but the report card show much more still needs to be done. As Corinne Dobson, CEO, ACT Shelter said when the report was launched: “The ACT has led the way on many rental reforms, but this report card shows there is no room for complacency. Renters in the ACT still face serious challenges – from inadequate minimum standards to weak privacy protections – and it’s clear all governments must do more to turn reform commitments into real change on the ground. The Better Deal for Renters is about fairness, security and consistency for the one-third of households who rent, and governments must keep pushing to ensure that promise is delivered in practice, not just on paper.”
The National Association of Renters’ Organisations and National Shelter are calling for urgent, decisive action to give renters a fair go across all states and territories.
-
- We are urging the Federal Government to step up by committing to robust mechanisms to monitor the rollout of these reforms.
-
- We are advocating for mechanisms to incentivise state and territory governments to implement the nine principles outlined in the Better Deal for Renters, alongside additional principles from NARO’s National Nine report.
-
- We are calling for Federal funding for NARO to provide expert advice informed by the experience of tens of thousands of renters accessing our member services to transform the renting experience for Australians and make sure renters have a seat at the table.
The two-year performance report card assessing progress of all states and territories in implementing the Better Deal for Renters is below.
