People living in social housing across the state can contribute to providing a fairer rental system for those in need, with the NSW Government set to run its fourth Tenant Amnesty.
Minister for Families and Communities Natasha Maclaren-Jones said the initiative is an opportunity for social housing tenants to disclose changes in their circumstances without fear of penalties.
“The amnesty is about making sure all social housing residents get a fair go,” Mrs
Maclaren-Jones said.“We understand the past two years have been difficult for many people in NSW. Circumstances may have changed and extra pressures due to the pandemic may have resulted in these going unreported.
“Now’s the chance for tenants during the six-week amnesty period to come forward and tell us about changes in their household, income, assets and property ownership, knowing there won’t be consequences for doing so.
“The last Tenant Amnesty returned $3 million into boosting housing supply and funding more services for residents. That leads to more individuals and families getting a roof over their heads and the vital support they need.”
The Tenant Amnesty offers Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) Housing and Aboriginal Housing residents protection from penalties for not declaring income such as Centrelink support, wages, shares or assets, as well as having unauthorised occupants in social housing.
Tenants who declare changes in their circumstances during the amnesty period will not have to pay back rent or face prosecution.
Members of the public can also contact DCJ to report any concerns in confidence. The amnesty helps unlock revenue to be reinvested in the community.
During the amnesty, tenants can disclose changes or the general public can make a report by contacting DCJ 24 hours, seven days a week through the following:
- Online form
- Phone: 1800 422 322.
The Tenant Amnesty closes on Sunday 17 July 2022.
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