Behind the rent crisis: Agents reaching breaking point
A tenant's chilling suicide text has reignited urgent calls for trauma training in Australia's rental sector.
More than half of property managers are struggling with mental health issues, according to a national MRI Software survey that found 53 per cent were experiencing psychological distress, while 23 per cent planned to leave the industry.
Leadership consultancy Sidekick reported burnout was contributing to 40 per cent of resignations in the sector.
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Choice Property Group director Louisianna Giumelli was on her way to court to carry out an eviction when the message appeared on her phone: a tenant saying goodbye, and that he was ending his life.
'I quickly pulled over and called the police. I called triple zero and told them what had happened,' Ms Giumelli said.
'Within two minutes I got a text saying they were dispatching immediately.
'About 15 to 20 minutes later, I got another message to say that the tenant was in the middle of an attempt, and the police and ambulance got there in time.'
The man survived.
But Ms Giumelli said the situation could have ended in tragedy, and that property managers are being left to face similar high-risk situations alone.
'I wanted to talk about the reality of the current climate, of what we're living in,' she said.
'This is the reality for normal, hardworking Australians that have been paying their taxes and doing all the right things and lately, they are not receiving any support.'
Ms Giumelli said property professionals had become 'frontline but invisible', regularly encountering suicide, domestic violence, homelessness and family breakdown, but without any formal trauma training or recognition.
Prominent buyers advocate Cate Bakos said Ms Giumelli's experience was sadly common with stress and burnout pushing many experienced property managers out of the industry.
'For many isolated or vulnerable tenants, the property manager may be their most consistent point of human contact,' she said.
'When something goes wrong, the emotional weight placed on the manager is immense.
'I've seen so many incredible professionals walk away from the industry altogether because of the relentless pressure they face.'
Phoenix Australia chief executive and trauma expert Nicole Sadler said property managers were often unprepared for the types of emotional exposure they faced.
'Anyone working in a role where they're exposed to trauma – even second-hand – can experience a range of psychological impacts,' Prof Sadler said.
'For property managers, this can be especially tough because they're trying to help someone through a crisis while also managing the business end, like rent arrears or damage to a property.'
Professor Sadler said even basic trauma-informed training could help real estate professionals protect their own wellbeing and respond more safely to tenants in distress.
'It's about recognising stress signs, engaging with empathy, and knowing when to step back or refer.'
Beyond Blue clinical spokesman Dr Luke Martin said renters and housing workers were facing mounting psychological pressure.
'Safe, secure housing is fundamental for supporting our mental health,' Dr Martin said.
'Beyond Blue's research has shown that housing affordability is driving considerable distress across the community.'
A 2022 Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute study found 38 per cent of private renters said their housing situation negatively affected their mental health, compared to 23 per cent of owner-occupiers.
A 2023 Anglicare survey found two-thirds of renters said the housing crisis was impacting their wellbeing.
'Beyond Blue's research has shown that housing affordability is driving considerable distress across the community.'
A 2022 Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute study found 38 per cent of private renters said their housing situation negatively affected their mental health, compared to 23 per cent of owner-occupiers.
A 2023 Anglicare survey found two-thirds of renters said the housing crisis was impacting their wellbeing.
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