2025-06-24
New data from Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) reveals seven in ten people who rent privately across Australia won’t ask for repairs for fear of having their rent jacked up.
The study, by ACOSS and UNSW, found that despite a significant portion living in unsanitary or dangerous conditions, renters chose not to raise issues with their landlords for fear of rent hikes, evictions and being placed on a blacklist.
The findings come after a five-year surge where rents have risen by 47%. The Greens are calling for a stop to unlimited rent increases, access to five-year leases, enforced standards and a nationwide ban on no grounds evictions to help renters feel more secure.
Lines attributable to Senator Barbara Pocock:
"It's atrocious for renters to be subjected to substandard conditions because they fear financial repercussions. Insecure leases and skewed power dynamics between renters and landlords only further exposes the vulnerability of renters in a tumultuous housing market.
"With over 3 million households renting across Australia the findings from this study are disturbing with a third or renters living with pests, a quarter with leaky plumbing and one-in-five with mouldy bathrooms or no hot water. We know that renters are crying out for security and stability and we call on the federal and state governments to work together to improve the lives of renters.
"The Greens' housing plan addresses instability in the rental market by providing long term residential leases, keeping rents affordable, maintaining decent housing standards and giving added confidence for renters facing unfair evictions.
"We need state and federal governments to recognise the vulnerability of renters in this country and work with the Greens to make secure housing accessible for all. We are a wealthy country, and no one deserves to live in sub-standard housing.”