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3mo ago

Survey Finds Seven in 10 Australian Renters Fear Asking for Repairs

New survey findings reveal tenants trapped in unsafe housing by fear of rent hikes with experts calling for urgent policy reform.

An agent carries a 'For Lease' sign outside a property inspection for potential tenants in Sydney, Australia, on Saturday, August 12, 2023. Less than 1% of Australia's rental properties are now available for occupancy, sending rents soaring, deepening the cost-of-living crunch, and pushing thousands more Australians into homelessness. Photographer: Brent Lewin/Bloomberg via Getty Images
That's a straight-up no from me. (Source: iStock Images)
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Renters fear asking landlords for repairs in case of eviction or rental increase.

Overview

  • Seventy percent of private renters worry that requesting essential repairs will lead to rent increases or eviction notices.
  • Fifty percent of respondents live in properties needing maintenance and ten percent require urgent repairs.
  • The survey found 31 percent of homes have pest infestations, 24 percent suffer leaks and 20 percent contend with hot water failures or mould.
  • Rental prices have jumped 47 percent over the past five years and one third of tenants say they could not manage a five percent rent increase.
  • Advocacy groups and housing agencies are pushing for rent increase caps, the abolishment of no-grounds evictions, more social housing, higher income support payments and expanded tenant advice services.