Local News

Tenants Frustrated by Rise of Third-Party Rental Payment Apps

Published

2 months ago

1 August 2024

Liam

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Tenants Frustrated by Rise of Third-Party Rental Payment Apps

Tenants across Australia are expressing frustration over the increasing use of third-party RentTech apps for paying rent, which can result in hundreds of dollars in fees annually. Over 7,000 renters have signed an online petition calling for changes to rental laws to prevent real estate agents from pressuring them into using these apps.

Case in Point: Margaret’s Experience

Margaret, a tenant in New South Wales, was instructed by her real estate agent, Ray White, to start paying rent through the Ailo app. Despite being told it was the only accepted payment method, she found the process cumbersome and costly. Ailo, co-founded by Ben White, a former Ray White director, charges fees for direct debits and credit card payments, leaving Margaret to navigate a tedious fee-free option.

“The Ailo app was presented as the only accepted method for paying the rent,” Margaret claimed. “No other options were mentioned. We were told that we had to use the Ailo app from then on. It’s ridiculous. It should not be allowed.”

Under current New South Wales rental laws, tenants must be offered one fee-free method to pay their rent. However, Margaret found the only fee-free method provided by Ailo to be unnecessarily difficult and time-consuming. She must set up a one-off transaction each month, which takes two days to process.

Wider Issues and Responses

Ray White’s spokesperson denied that tenants were being forced to use the Ailo app, stating, “There is a choice on how to pay the rent, no one is being forced to use the Ailo app.” Ben White, Ailo’s co-founder, claimed that 40% of renters used the app without incurring fees and that Ailo offers the widest range of payment options for renters.

Similarly, Queensland renter Warren faced pressure to use the OurTenant app for paying rent, which also charges fees for credit card payments. After pushing back and citing Queensland rental laws, Warren managed to continue paying rent through his preferred method.

Advocates and Experts Weigh In

Leo Patterson Ross, CEO of the NSW Tenants’ Union, highlighted the broader issue of renters feeling powerless, particularly amid the housing crisis. “People don’t feel like they have a lot of choice,” he said. “We’ve got people who are desperate for a home. So they will kind of be pushed into using anything, even if it’s unclear whether it goes against regulations.”

Ross emphasized the need for clearer laws and better regulation. “The problem is that the regulators aren’t given the resources to actually regulate the current rules, let alone looking at what’s coming down the pipeline,” he said. “It’s very disappointing, very frustrating for a lot of people that this hasn’t been addressed.”

Calls for Change

The Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) has underscored the urgent need for accessible and appropriate pain management strategies for tradies, who face significant health risks due to workplace injuries and chronic conditions. This call for action echoes the sentiments of tenants seeking relief from the burdens imposed by third-party rental payment apps.

Tradies National Health Month, observed every August, aims to highlight the unique position of physiotherapists in preventing and treating musculoskeletal issues that plague tradies. Similarly, tenants are calling for a re-evaluation of the practices surrounding rental payments to ensure fair treatment and prevent additional financial strain.

Conclusion

The rise of third-party rental payment apps has sparked significant frustration among tenants, who feel pressured into using systems that incur unnecessary fees and complications. As the debate continues, there is a growing call for clearer regulations and better enforcement to protect renters’ rights and ensure fair practices within the rental market.

For more real estate news, click here.

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Watercolour – an enchanting exhibition at the Cassino Gallery

Published

3 hours ago

19 September 2024

Liam

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Watercolour – an enchanting exhibition at the Cassino Gallery

By Therese Schier

Feast your senses at the Watercolour exhibition opening at the Cassino Gallery this Saturday 21^st September. Considered one of the most demanding of art forms, watercolour offers an enchanting, mystical experience for visitors.

“Watercolour painting is a subtle art that requires masterly control to reflect the elusive hues of life” Gallery president Laszlo Biro observed.

“Visitors to the exhibition will appreciate the delicate and deft touch of the artists.”

Laszlo said the Gallery, with support from Richmond Valley Council is offering a $2300 acquisitive prize to the best in show.

“Through the support of the community in attending openings, events and classes the Gallery can co-fund with the Council,” Laszlo said.

The exhibition will be judged by Northern Rivers artist, Harry Westera. Harry originally trained in drawing and oil painting at Julian Ashton’s Art School and studied Art History at Sydney University before deciding to ‘give watercolour a try’.

“Well, as many water colourists will till you, this medium can be difficult to control,” Harry said.

Chiaroscuro Old Man by Lismore artist Kevin Lawlor is one of the many paintings on display at Cassino Gallery’s Watercolour exhibition opening Saturday 21st September.

“It can at times be fun and other times frustrating. But it is well worth the effort!

“To watch the colours flow off your brush, mixing on the paper and creating images of our world in beautiful washes of colour can be very satisfying.

“It is wonderful that Cassino Gallery has attracted so many watercolour enthusiasts.”

Lismore artist Kevin Lawlor was drawn to paint his entry Chiaroscuro no 1 Old Man due to his admiration of the masters of light and dark, Michelangelo and Leonardo da vinci.

“I wanted to go to the maximum of light and dark using the Italian chiaroscuro (the treatment of light and shade in drawing and painting) of the old masters to create a haunting piece using modern media,” Kevin said.

Kevin congratulated the Cassino Gallery for having the vision to develop the gallery.

“It is an extremely brave endeavour which will bring artists together and provide a gallery for the public.”

The official opening will be held at 4pm, Saturday 21^st, $10 entry includes wine and cheese. Judge Harry Westera will announce the winner and provide comments at the event.

The exhibition will be on display during the Gallery’s opening hours: 10am to 3pm Thursday Friday and Saturday 21^st September to 12^th October with a gold coin donation.

For more Casino news, click here.

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Local News

Vote Counting Underway for Tweed Shire Council Election

Published

3 hours ago

19 September 2024

Liam

Vote Counting Underway for Tweed Shire Council Election

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Vote Counting Underway for Tweed Shire Council Election

Vote counting for the Tweed Shire Council election is in progress after residents cast their votes on Saturday. The final results are expected to be declared between 1 and 3 October, with postal votes still being accepted until 6 pm on Friday, 27 September.

The NSW Electoral Commission, which manages elections for most councils across the state, will continue the counting process over the next several days. Progressive tallies can be accessed on the Commission’s website.

Tweed Shire Council General Manager Troy Green expressed gratitude to the community for their participation in the election. “We’re pleased the election process has run smoothly and look forward to working with the newly elected Councillors,” Mr. Green said. He also thanked all candidates and their supporters for their efforts throughout the campaign.

A total of 45 candidates contested the 7 Councillor positions in the Tweed Shire. Once the results are declared, an Extraordinary Meeting will be held on Tuesday, 10 October, where the new Councillors will take their oath or affirmation of office and elect the Mayor and Deputy Mayor. The Councillors will also undertake an induction program to prepare them for their 4-year term.

For more information, visit the NSW Electoral Commission website or contact 1300 135 736.

For more local elections news, click here.

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Local News

Tweed Community Groups Invited to Apply for Australia Day Event Funding

Published

3 hours ago

19 September 2024

Liam

An image of a sausage for Tweed Australia Day Event Funding

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Tweed Community Groups Invited to Apply for Australia Day Event Funding

By Ian Rogers

Community organisations across the Tweed are encouraged to apply for financial assistance from Tweed Shire Council to host Australia Day events in 2025. This funding is available for small-scale events held within three days of Australia Day, offering groups an opportunity to celebrate the occasion in ways that reflect their local identity.

Mathew Greenwood, Council’s Acting Manager of Corporate Governance, highlighted the importance of these events in fostering community connection. “With this funding, we’re enabling groups to celebrate Australia Day in a manner that reflects their unique local character,” Mr Greenwood said. “Local Australia Day gatherings bring our diverse communities together in a meaningful way, and we’re excited to see the events our community groups have in store.”

Funding Levels

The amount of funding provided is based on the expected attendance, with the following three categories of support:

Category 1: $300 for events with up to 149 participants
Category 2: $400 for events expecting 150–249 participants
Category 3: $500 for events with 250 or more participants

Community organisations applying for the first time will automatically be placed in Category 1.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for funding, organisations must:

Be located within the Tweed region and provide an outline of the planned event
Be an incorporated body with public liability insurance
Ensure the event is open to the public, not limited to members or private businesses

In addition, successful applicants must:

List their event on Council’s calendar of events at whatsontweed.com.au
Acknowledge Council’s support in all promotional materials and on the event day

For events held on Council-managed land, such as parks or beaches, all necessary permits and approvals must be obtained.

Application Process

Applications will be reviewed by the Tweed Shire Australia Day Awards Selection Panel in late October 2024.

To apply, complete the application form available on Council’s Australia Day webpage and submit it by midnight on Friday 11 October 2024.

This initiative provides community groups with the chance to contribute to the celebration of Australia Day while fostering unity and pride across the Tweed region.

For more Tweed Shire news, click here.

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