Rent Cheats !

A lot of soul searching by the tenants in public housing in New South Wales.  A cunning move by the state government has left the proverbial sword of Damacles hanging over their heads - and the wise will surely avail themselves of what is offered.

The government is offering an amnesty to flush out the rent cheats.   Tenants in public housing in this state pay twenty-five percent of their income as rent and recent rent checks have disclosed many people who are seriously understating their income.   Many no longer qualify for public housing and some have others living in the house undeclared.

This amnesty ceases on May 31 and those that fess up will not be required to pay back rent, nor will they be prosecuted, but after the amnesty ends those discovered cheating the system will face prosecution, a demand for rent evaded - and eviction.   There will be no time limit on back rent - and that could run into thousands.

This is long overdue.   Rent rorts have been legend for years and obviously there will be an income checking blitz the moment the amnesty ends.   It is also a very clever move by the government.   Those that fess up will have the slate wiped clean, but from that point onward they will be charged the correct rent for their income level.

Some government planner has thought outside the proverbial nine dots.   Not only is an amnesty a form of mercy which shows that the government has a soft side,  it spikes the guns of the opposition when it comes to claims that the government is " picking on the poor ".   It is not asking for back rent, but it does ensure that government coffers will swell as the rent cheats are brought into line and start paying what is due.

There is a long waiting list for public housing and with better management it would be more efficient in serving that need.   The next target should be those whose needs have changed because the family has grown up and moved out - but who refuse to move to smaller and more appropriate accommodation.   Public housing stock should be on a " needs " basis to deliver the best public benefit !