Tasmanian Labor acknowledges that rental affordability is still a significant issue, but does not believe rent control is the answer.
Shadow Minister for Housing Alison Standen said rental affordability is a state-wide issue, with too many families facing an increasingly expensive private rental market.
"After seven years of a Liberal Government they have failed to build enough social housing," Ms Standen said.
"Not only does rent control fail to recognise and address the chronic shortage of social housing, it could also create unintended consequences.
"Rent controls may lead to landlords either removing entire dwellings from the long-term rental market for good, or shifting properties into the short stay accommodation market, potentially making the availability of rental properties even worse and further reducing the security of tenure for tenants."
Ms Standen said Shelter Tasmania and Tenants Union Tasmania have agreed that rent control measures cannot be done in isolation.
"With a shortfall of 11,400 of social affordable homes state-wide, the Government must do more to help fix Tasmania's housing crisis.
"There are around 3,600 families on the public housing waiting list and compared to five years ago rents are up 37% state-wide.
"Labor welcomes the government's announcement of an extension to the COVID-19 Rent Relief Fund and COVID-19 Landlord Support Fund.
"However, they must explain the eligibility criteria and whether this support extends to landlords and tenants who are experiencing financial hardship beyond the emergency period ending 31 January.
"Labor will continue to push for the Government to adopt the recommendations of the Housing Affordability committee, build more homes, make more homes available for social housing and to regulate the short stay accommodation market to make it easier for more Tasmanians who are currently in rental stress."
Alison Standen MP
Shadow Minister for Housing
