"Heartless grub" landlord hiking rent for bushfire victims: O'Farrell

Jennifer DukeDecember 7, 2020

Federal Minister for Human Services Marise Payne alerted NSW Premier, Barry O'Farrell, that at least one landlord in the Lower Blue Mountains was seeking to increase their rental charge to take advantage of the bushfire crisis.

Due to the number of people who have lost their properties and will be seeking temporary accommodation, O'Farrell said that the landlord was hiking up their rent. He has warned landlords from doing the same.

“This sort of low act will not be tolerated and I warn people even thinking about it that the NSW government [will] come after you,” O’Farrell said.

“Anyone seeking to cash in on this crisis is a heartless grub. Just don’t do it,” he said.

“Not only will they named and shamed, they’ll face a fine of up to $220,000 or $1.1 million for corporations."

Minister for Fair Trading, Anthony Roberts, has ordered inspectors to be on the ground looking for "this behaviour".

“Whether you’re a landlord, tradesman, or retailer don’t try it on because it won’t be worth it," he said.

For tradespeople, it could also cause cancellations or suspensions of licences.

Jennifer Duke

Jennifer Duke was a property writer at Property Observer

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