The release of the April edition of CoreLogic's Quarterly Rental Review report is yet another indication that government must take urgent action to tackle rental affordability.
The report shows Hobart's rents have increased by another 8.7% in the last 12 months. Disturbingly it also shows the cost to rent a house in the state capital has grown by 55.9% in the last 10 years, with the median rental rate now at $547 a week.
As stated by Greens Senator for lutruwita/Tasmania, Peter Whish-Wilson:
"The average cost of renting a home in Hobart is now $10,000 a year higher than it was just a decade ago. And we know rents are going up right around the state too. It's no wonder so many Tasmanians are struggling to find an affordable home.
"These skyrocketing rental prices are forcing people into real hardship. Something is seriously wrong with our housing market when paying your rent means you can't afford to heat your home, pay your bills, access healthcare, or even feed your family.
"This housing crisis is a direct result of years of government failure. It's no surprise this massive rise in rental costs has coincided with having Liberal governments at both a federal and state level.
"The increase in rent prices has shown no sign of slowing down by itself, so it's now time for government to step in. Putting the Greens in balance of power this election is our best chance of making that happen. We'll fight for real protections for renters, and real action on housing affordability.
"Housing is a human right, and we need our government to start acting like it.
"The Greens have a plan to protect renters' rights by boosting and guaranteeing funding for tenants' advocacy services by $30 million per year to improve access to independent information, advice and advocacy.
"We will also establish a National Standard of Renters' Rights and build 125,000 new public universal-access rental homes to provide affordable housing for more people who want to live in communities close to where they work.
"These measures will support renters alongside Greens commitments to increase Commonwealth Rent Assistance and wind back negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount."
