Housing justice is economic justice—and economic justice affects us all. Throughout New South Wales, public housing tenants face the grim reality of excessive water charges, with rates increasing by almost 40% in area like Blacktown. This is happening without the transparency, accountability, or legal protection any consumer should expect, and it's rooted in the omission of excessive water increases in Section 41 of the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (NSW).

Section 41's current wording provides free reign for disparity by failing to regulate how water charges are calculated, capped, or disclosed. This legislative silence opens doors for financial manipulation that puts already vulnerable tenants at the mercy of unpredictable and often insurmountable water bills.

Such unchecked overcharging does more than drain finances—it contributes to ongoing cycles of poverty, increases the risk of homelessness, and amplifies mental health strain for individuals and family. It erodes trust in the very systems designed to protect citizens and sets a dangerous precedent for other government billing systems such as Rent.

Public housing residents should not be left in the dark about how their charges are derived or rebate. We demand reform of Section 41 to include clear regulations on calculating water charges and ensure transparency and accountability for all transactions and based on CPI. Our call is simple: enforce a legislative cap, establish a standard calculation method, and mandate detailed billing disclosures for all residents.

"As a carer advocating for my elderly mother and disabled brother, our household has faced compounding injustices under Homes NSW exploitation of the omission of excessive water increases under the Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (NSW). Not only were we threaten of eviction due to financial manipulation not covered under the Act 2010 (NSW), but we also endured excessive water charges while living in public housing.  Compounded with limited income exacerbated by the landlord and high support needs. These overlapping failures reveal a pattern of systemic neglect since 2018 toward disability and carer households. We call for urgent legislative reform to protect tenancy continuity, financial fairness, and the dignity of vulnerable residents."

Excessive water and rent charges does not only affect people in social housing, university students, and people with disabilities, as it affects every tenants of each state and territory. This is a national issue that remains unaddressed. It is critical that tenants band together to urge the government for fairer systems for all.

Join us in urging the NSW government to prioritize the rights and protections of all renters by reforming Section 41 of the Residential Tenancies Act. Let's safeguard economic justice and uphold the integrity of our public institutions. Sign this petition to demand the change NSW public housing tenants urgently need. The urgent reform affects not only those in social housing but renters in private property.

See the story unfold:

https://gofund.me/ba6a56fb1 ​

https://thestylander.com/starlight-willy-bagatcholon/​ 

Request-Urgent-Discretionary-Funds---Mark-Dryfus.pdf​

https://ugc.production.linktr.ee-Letterhead-Departmental-Reply.pdf

Sign this petition to demand legislative reform and justice for NSW public housing tenants. Share widely. Tag @RoseJacksonMP @stephenbalimp @MarkDreyfusMP and @NSWHousing in your posts. Use the hashtag: #FixSection41 #FixSection39 of #ResidentialTenanciesAct2010NSW