Everyone matters in real estate – that’s why it’s important everybody is recognised equally when it comes to the NSW Government’s Residential Tenancies Amendment (COVID-19) Regulation 2020 (NSW), said the REINSW. 

Tim McKibbin, CEO, REINSW said Government needs to recognise that landlords are in a similar position to tenants throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

"There is a great deal of concern for tenants, as there should be, due to COVID-19," said Mr McKibbin to WILLIAMS MEDIA.

At a Glance:

• REINSW launched Everyone Matters in Real Estate campaign for voices of landlords to be heard
• Landlords and property managers are encouraged to petition their local member for equal treatment
• Government needs to recognise landlords are in need of support as well as tenants, say REINSW

“Landlords are entitled to be supported and protected during this pandemic," said REINSW CEO Tim McKibbin. 

"There is very little recognition of the plight of the landlord.

"There is an erroneous view that the landlord is some faceless corporation  that has millions dollars, when in fact 80 per cent are mum and dad investors.

"These can be broken down into two groups, the first are people who are trying to acquire property to supplement their income when they retire and the other is people who are retired and dependent on the rental income to live.

Mr McKibbin said they want the government to recognise the landlord's plight as they do that of the tenant.

"The Tenant's Union was given $2.5 million for tenants but the landlords got nothing," said Mr McKibbin to WILLIAMS MEDIA.

"There needs to be a recognition that the landlord may also be COVID-19 affected and struggling financially.

"When we sit at the negotiating table, people need to understand that."

Mr McKibbin said he is concerned at the actions of the Tenant's Union who has encouraged those tenants not affected by COVID-19 to also try and negotiate a rent reduction.

REINSW is providing a way for landlords to be heard by recently launching the Everyone Matters in Real Estate campaign which Mr McKibbin said is gaining awareness and engagement.

“Thousands of landlords, property managers and supporters of the campaign have already shown their support by petitioning the NSW Government and their local State MPs.” said Mr McKibbin. 

With one week left to go before Parliament sits on Tuesday 12 May 2020 REINSW is putting out a call to action.

"For landlords’ voices to be heard, we need as many people as possible to petition the NSW Premier and their local MPs," said Mr McKibbin. 

Click here for more information about the Everyone Matters in Real Estate campaign.

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