More than half of Australian renters in homes that need repairs: new report

Living in poor quality homes, on insecure tenancies and struggling with rental affordability and the cost of living are the major problems facing Australian renters, according to a new report released today.

Peak consumer advocacy group Choice and leading tenancy groups paint a grim picture for Australian renters in their national survey, which found more than half of tenants live in homes that currently need repairs.

But most renters are concerned about the consequences of requesting repairs, with seven in 10 tenants fearing such a request could result in a rent rise and nearly half fearing eviction.

About 69 per cent were concerned that the request would be delayed for an unreasonable length of time and 64 per cent feared the request would be ignored indefinitely.

Nearly one in 10 have been evicted “without grounds” and the same proportion fear they will be forced to leave their homes in the next year.

The study found most tenants won’t know where they will be living in the next 12 months with nine in 10 having rental contracts of a year or less, while almost one-third were renting month to month.

Tenants in every state and territory can be evicted on a no-grounds basis, except Victoria, where legislation was passed to ban the practice but will only come into effect from 2020.

“Australians have stronger consumer protections when they buy something from their local supermarket than when they spend tens of thousands of dollars renting a home,” said Erin Turner, director of campaigns and communications at Choice.

“We’ve got families living with mould all over their homes and left waiting weeks for repairs. This simply isn’t good enough.

“Under the Australian Consumer Law, Australians know that if we have a problem with something we buy, then we have the right to a repair, refund, or replacement.

“But when it comes to getting the most basic of our needs – shelter – Australians live in fear. It’s time for consistent and fair laws that guarantee every Australian has a safe, secure and affordable home.”

Adrian Pisarski, chief executive of National Shelter, said the new research highlighted major problems with renting in Australia.

“Fifty-one per cent of Australians who rent are living in homes that need repairs – [this] is unacceptable and we need leadership to turn this around,” said Mr Pisarski.

“Property lobbyists fight reform every step of the way, but good regulation helps everyone. Let’s support good landlords by bringing everyone up to their standard.

“We need a coordinated approach to rental standards, so we can make the relationship between people who rent and those who rent to us a positive one.”

The report also revealed the expensive, time-consuming and emotionally taxing toll on renters from constantly moving homes.

Renters are more than twice as likely to be finding it difficult to get by on their present income as non-renters.

The survey, which had more than 1500 respondents, was designed and analysed by Choice, National Shelter and the National Association of Tenant Organisations.