New research has shed light on the experience of renters in Australia.
Almost seven in 10 people who rent privately are concerned requesting repairs could result in a rent increase, according to research by the ACOSS-UNSW Sydney-led Poverty and Inequality Partnership, National Shelter and the National Association of Renter Organisations (NARO).
The study, which surveyed 1019 people who rent in the private sector across Australia, also found a third of renters would find a 5% rent increase difficult to afford.
The report, titled Rights at risk: Rising rents and repercussions , found half of renters (50%) live in homes that need repairs and one in 10 homes needs urgent repairs.
Lead author of the report, Dr Chris Martin, Senior Fellow at UNSW's City Futures Research Centre, said this research highlighted the difficulties faced by many people renting privately in a flawed system.
"The median rent for new tenancies has risen a massive 47 per cent over the past five years, creating an atmosphere of worry as the majority of renters - 68% - express concerns that requesting repairs will lead to increased rent.
"Even worse, our research found that people who are unemployed or who have disabilities experience more rent increases and are more concerned about asserting their rights than the general rental population."
Almost one in three (31%) rental homes have pests such as cockroaches and ants, almost one in four (24%) have leaks or flooding, and one in five (21%) have issues with hot water, while almost one in five bathrooms (18%) have mould, the survey found.
A staggering 68% of renters fear that asking for a repair would lead to a rent increase, 56% fear it would lead to eviction and 52% fear being placed on a blacklist that would prevent them renting another property.
Worse for disadvantaged groups
The figures are worse for renters in disadvantaged groups - especially renters who are unemployed, renters with low education and renters with disability.
UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Attila Brungs said the Rights at Risk report was a significant report at a crucial time which reflects the importance of the University's contributions through research that advances understanding and delivers positive societal impact.
"This report from the UNSW Sydney/ACOSS Poverty and Inequality Partnership provides critical, data-driven insights into the growing challenges facing renters in Australia, and how housing insecurity intersects with broader issues of inequality. Through the Partnership, we are proud to bring rigorous research to the fore to inform public debate and drive for concrete changes to improve people's lives and support progress for all."
UNSW Vice-President of Societal Impact, Equity and Engagement, Verity Firth, said the University was committed to research that drives meaningful change and advances equity across Australia.
"UNSW is dedicated to producing research that informs policy, empowers communities, and contributes to equitable and inclusive progress for all Australians. The Poverty and Inequality Partnership - now recognised as a national authority on these issues - has released 26 reports tracking the realities of poverty and inequality in Australia. Today's Rights at Risk report continues that legacy, shining a light on the growing housing insecurity faced by renters. We hope this work not only informs public understanding but also strengthens the case for urgent, evidence-based policy action."
ACOSS CEO Dr Cassandra Goldie AO said the research highlighted the serious failings of Australia's housing market.
"It is completely unacceptable that people in the private rental market are too scared to ask for essential repairs because they fear they will be punished or made homeless," Dr Goldie said.
"Everyone deserves to be able to live in secure homes without the constant fear of losing their home. We urge state and federal governments to work together to cap rent increases, abolish no-grounds evictions and boost social housing to ensure people on low incomes have safe, secure and affordable homes."
The ACOSS & UNSW Partnership, along with National Shelter and NARO, are calling for:
- A limit to the amount and frequency of rent increases
- Improvement to the legal security of renters, by abolishing no-grounds evictions and strengthening protections
- More funding for tenants' advice services
- A raise in the rate of income support, especially the JobSeeker payment
- Boosting the supply of social housing to meet need
Key facts and figures:
- 73% of renters had a rent increase in the past year
- 34% of renters would find a 5% rent increase difficult or very difficult to afford
- 74% of renters experienced some defect or issue, while 50% said their home needed repairs
- 68% are worried that asking for repairs could lead to a rent increase, while 56% feared eviction and 52% feared blacklisting
- Renters who are unemployed:
- 77% had a rent increase in the past year
- 82% would find a 5% increase difficult or very difficult to afford
- 60% felt unable to assert their tenancy rights without worry
- 71% feared that requesting repairs would trigger a rent increase
