However new tenancy laws passed by the NSW Parliament last week aims to do exactly that.

While many of us may aspire to own our own homes, in reality spiraling house prices in cities such as Orange mean many people simply can’t afford a hefty mortgage.

In fact more than than 30 per cent of the NSW population are now renting so these changes to the housing rental sector are sure to impact a large number of Orange residents.

However perhaps it’s the changes designed to help victims of domestic violence which may prove to have the biggest impact on people’s lives.

The tenancy law amendments now allow all victims of domestic violence to terminate their tenancies immediately and without penalty. 

In another effort to protect the safety and anonymity of domestic victims, landlords and their agents will also be prohibited from listing the victims’ names on the tenancy database.

Many agents in the region welcome the changes and applauded the new legislation for giving victims a real opportunity to leave a dangerous home life without being left financially destitute.

Some agents told the Central Western Daily they were waiting for more clarity from the NSW Government.

They also wanted more information on who would pay for any repairs to damaged property.

Of course while victims can’t be made accountable, the government still needs to make it clear whether an insurance company or other tenants, perhaps the abuser, would pay in the case of property damage

It’s not only victims of domestic violence who will benefit from the new laws.

Tenants can now rest assured that the properties they rent are: structurally sound; have adequate light and ventilation; have adequate gas or electricity, plumbing and drainage; have water for drinking and cleaning and have adequate bathrooms.

It’s alarming to think the new legislation had to remind agents of their legal requirements to provide tenants with basic necessities including protection, drinking water and heating. 

Let’s hope the new laws make life better for both renters and agents.