2026-08-20
The Greens have called for an immediate rent freeze to stop renters from facing a 30% rent increase, spurred on by real estate agents and the big banks.
Today, real estate agents are publicly encouraging rich property investors to raise rents by 30 percent, following a forecast from the big banks earlier this week.
As unlimited rent increases are currently legal, this baseless ‘forecast’ is effectively encouraging rich property investors to raise the rents on properties they own - despite retaining generous concessions via grandfathering. The Greens warn that without action, this risks becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy if investors use tax changes to justify their greed.
Renters around the country are facing the worst housing insecurity in living memory, forcing many to spend much more than a third of their income just to keep a roof over their heads.
The Greens have reiterated that the housing crisis demands a suite of actions to help renters and first homebuyers - including an immediate rent freeze, ongoing rent caps and a massive spend on public housing.
Lines attributable to Australian Greens leader, Senator Larissa Waters:
“Renters can’t cop a 30% rent increase. Renters are already paying over $12k more a year than they were 5 years ago, and so many people are at breaking point.
“Now that real estate agents are saying this massive increase will happen, they’re undoubtedly advising rich property investors to hike up rents as much as they want.
“Renters have no protection, and are being left with nowhere to go.
“Labor has been warned about the massive cliff facing millions of Australian renters. There’s just one way to stop it. We need an immediate rent freeze.
“We needed these tax changes to see house prices come down out of the stratosphere to help first homebuyers - but there’s no silver bullet for the housing crisis.
“We need an immediate rent freeze and massive spend on public housing, to give renters and first homebuyers a chance.”
Lines attributable to Greens spokesperson for finance, housing and homelessness and Senator for South Australia, Barbara Pocock:
“Rent increases are being spurred by greed. Investors are using tax reform as a cover for their profiteering.
“Renters need immediate relief. They can’t handle another rent increase, let alone 30%.
“Too many households are just one rent increase away from eviction or homelessness. A rent freeze will give people the security they need in a housing and cost of living crisis.
“People across the country are being hit with a 23% rent increase over the past five years while real wages have fallen by 5%.
“Record high rents are forcing people to spend much more than a third of their income just to keep a roof over their heads.
“Renters don't have a buffer: they are the buffer while landlords and investors are protected by property.
“Labor's plans to fix the housing crisis are not touching the sides. After four years of rapidly increasing house prices and astronomical increases in rents, it's no wonder Australians are ditching the major parties.
“In a nation-wide housing catastrophe, we need an immediate rent freeze and long term rent caps, and a massive long term boost in public housing, rented to people at prices they can actually afford.”
MEDIA CONTACTS:
WATERS:
Will Kelly – 0427 819 461
POCOCK:
Charlotta Lomas – 0466 339 862