A growing number of residents in Parramatta and its surrounding suburbs are seeking legal help with housing and tenancy problems.
New figures from Legal Aid NSW show an increase in people receiving advice about housing in 2025-26 with housing issues making up 37 per cent of Legal Aid NSW Parramatta’s civil law advice services.
Locals in the area have reported needing help with rental arrears and evictions, accessing social housing and issues with rental subsidies.
Civil solicitor Findley Hipkin said that people who are struggling to pay their rent should get in contact with Legal Aid NSW as soon as possible.
“If your rent is 14 days overdue, your landlord can give you a non-payment termination notice, which could lead to eviction,” he said.
He said too many people bury their head in the sand without looking at their options.
“It is important to know that there are options, like negotiating with your landlord to arrange a payment plan,” he said.
Hipkin said changes to NSW tenancy laws last year means landlords can no longer end a tenancy without a valid reason.
“Since the changes to no-grounds terminations have come into effect, Legal Aid NSW has been helping tenants understand whether the notices to end their tenancy are lawful,” he said.
Residents who need legal help with housing are encouraged to contact Legal Aid NSW on 1300 888 529.
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.