Latest news with #NationalShelter
SBS Australia
23-06-2025
- General
- SBS Australia
'Unacceptable': The question nearly seven in 10 renters fear asking their landlord
Almost seven in 10 private housing tenants worry about asking for repairs in case they face a rent increase. A survey of more than a thousand renters across Australia has also found a third would be unable to afford a 5 per cent increase on what they're currently paying. Half the respondents live in homes that need repairs, and one in 10 need them carried out urgently. Conducted by the Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS), University of NSW, Sydney-led Poverty and Inequality Partnership, National Shelter and the National Association of Renter Organisations, the study is the 26th published by the advocacy network. — 31 per cent of rental homes have cockroach, ant or other pest problems; — Almost a quarter are leaky; — One in five have issues with hot water, while almost as many feature mouldy bathrooms. Rents have, meanwhile, surged 47 per cent in the past five years amid calls for nationwide rental increase limits. Even so, researchers found 68 per cent of tenants fear asking their landlord to repair their residence would mean increasing the rent, 56 per cent suspect it would result in eviction, and 52 per cent worry they would be placed on a blacklist, preventing them from renting another property. The findings were magnified for tenants in disadvantaged groups, especially the unemployed, poorly educated and disabled persons. "It is completely unacceptable that people in the private rental market are nervous about asking for essential repairs because they fear a rent increase or eviction notice." — Cassandra Goldie, ACOSS CEO "Everyone deserves to be able to live in secure homes without the constant fear of losing their home," Goldie said. "Despite extensive rental laws on paper, it exposes the stark gap between legislation and reality." — Leo Patterson, spokesperson, National Association of Renters' Organisations "Weak oversight of rental costs, property standards and industry practices have denied renters the benefits of a safe, stable and healthy home." The agencies involved in the project are calling for a limit to the amount and frequency of rent increases, improved legal security via the abolition of no-grounds evictions and more funding for tenants' advice services.
7NEWS
23-06-2025
- General
- 7NEWS
Tenants fear asking landlords for repairs in case of eviction or higher rent
Australia's housing crisis has seen the price of purchased properties and rental prices soar since the start of the global pandemic in 2020. Over the years, housing demand has outstripped supply leading to record high prices as buyers took on larger debts to secure housing. Those unable to get into the property market A report released on Monday called Rights at risk: Rising rents and repercussions, by ACOSS/UNSW Sydney-led Poverty and Inequality Partnership, National Shelter and the National Association of Renter Organisations (NARO), found that seven out of 10 renters feared asking their landlord for repairs in case their rent increased, were blacklisted or evicted. NARO spokesperson Leo Patterson Ross said the report wasn't surprising. 'This report validates what renters across Australia already know,' he said. 'Despite extensive rental laws on paper, this report exposes the stark gap between legislation and reality for Australian renters. 'Weak oversight of rental costs, property standards, and industry practices have denied renters the benefits of a safe, stable and healthy home. 'Federal, state and territory governments across Australia must act to empower renters through better funding tenant advocacy, ensuring fair renting rules, robust and visible regulatory enforcement, and providing genuine housing choices.' The report said that 68 per cent of renters fear that asking for a repair would lead to a rent increase, 56 per cent fear it would lead to eviction and 52 per cent fear being placed on a blacklist that would prevent them renting another property. The figures are worse for renters in disadvantaged groups — especially renters who are unemployed, renters with low education and renters with disability. The report found 50 per cent live in homes that need repairs and 10 per cent need urgent repairs. As well as 31 per cent of rental homes have pests such as cockroaches and ants, 24 per cent have leaks or flooding, 21 per cent have issues with hot water, while 18 per cent have mould. The study, which surveyed 1019 people who rent private property, also found a third of renters would be unable to afford their rent if it went up by 5 per cent. The report notes that rents have surged by 47 per cent in the past five years and calls for nationwide rental increase limits. Lead author of the report, Dr Chris Martin, said the report highlights the fear renters experience. 'The median rent for new tenancies has risen a massive 47 per cent over the past five years, creating an atmosphere of worry as the majority of renters (68 per cent) express concerns that requesting repairs will lead to increased rent,' he said. 'Even worse, our research found that people who are unemployed or who have disabilities experience more rent increases and are more concerned about asserting their rights than the general rental population.' The ACOSS/UNSW-led Partnership, along with National Shelter and NARO, are calling for: A limit to the amount and frequency of rent increases Improvement to the legal security of renters, by abolishing no-grounds evictions and strengthening protections More funding for tenants' advice services A raise in the rate of income support, especially the JobSeeker payment Boosting the supply of social housing to meet need ACOSS chief executive Dr Cassandra Goldie AO said the research highlighted the serious failings of Australia's housing market. 'It is completely unacceptable that people in the private rental market are nervous about asking for essential repairs because they fear a rent increase or eviction notice,' Goldie said. 'Everyone deserves to be able to live in secure homes without the constant fear of losing their home. 'We urge state and federal governments to work together to cap rent increases, abolish no-grounds evictions and boost social housing to ensure people on low incomes have safe, secure and affordable homes.'
The Advertiser
22-06-2025
- General
- The Advertiser
Renters fearful of speaking up about essential repairs
Almost seven in 10 private housing tenants worry about asking for repairs in case they face a rent increase. A survey of more than a thousand renters across Australia has also found a third would be unable to afford a five per cent increase on what they're currently paying. Half the respondents live in homes that need repairs and one in 10 need them carried out urgently. Conducted by the Australian Council of Social Security, University of NSW, Sydney-led Poverty and Inequality Partnership, National Shelter and the National Association of Renter Organisations, the study is the 26th published by the advocacy network. It found 31 per cent of rental homes have cockroach, ant or other pest problems, almost a quarter are leaky and one in five have issues with hot water, while almost as many feature mouldy bathrooms. Rents have, meanwhile, surged a staggering 47 per cent in the past five years amid calls for nationwide rental increase limits. Even so, researchers found 68 per cent of tenants fear asking their landlord to repair their residence would mean upping the rent, 56 per suspect it would get them evicted and 52 per cent worry that they would be placed on a blacklist stopping them renting another property. The findings were magnified for tenants in disadvantaged groups, especially the unemployed, poorly educated and disabled. ACOSS chief executive Cassandra Goldie says the study highlights the serious failings of Australia's housing market. "It is completely unacceptable that people in the private rental market are nervous about asking for essential repairs because they fear a rent increase or eviction notice," she said. "Everyone deserves to be able to live in secure homes without the constant fear of losing their home." National Association of Renters' Organisations spokesman Leo Patterson said the report validated what tenants already knew. "Despite extensive rental laws on paper, it exposes the stark gap between legislation and reality," he said. "Weak oversight of rental costs, property standards and industry practices have denied renters the benefits of a safe, stable and healthy home." The agencies involved in the project are calling for a limit to the amount and frequency of rent increases, improved legal security via the abolition of no-grounds evictions and more funding for tenants' advice services. Almost seven in 10 private housing tenants worry about asking for repairs in case they face a rent increase. A survey of more than a thousand renters across Australia has also found a third would be unable to afford a five per cent increase on what they're currently paying. Half the respondents live in homes that need repairs and one in 10 need them carried out urgently. Conducted by the Australian Council of Social Security, University of NSW, Sydney-led Poverty and Inequality Partnership, National Shelter and the National Association of Renter Organisations, the study is the 26th published by the advocacy network. It found 31 per cent of rental homes have cockroach, ant or other pest problems, almost a quarter are leaky and one in five have issues with hot water, while almost as many feature mouldy bathrooms. Rents have, meanwhile, surged a staggering 47 per cent in the past five years amid calls for nationwide rental increase limits. Even so, researchers found 68 per cent of tenants fear asking their landlord to repair their residence would mean upping the rent, 56 per suspect it would get them evicted and 52 per cent worry that they would be placed on a blacklist stopping them renting another property. The findings were magnified for tenants in disadvantaged groups, especially the unemployed, poorly educated and disabled. ACOSS chief executive Cassandra Goldie says the study highlights the serious failings of Australia's housing market. "It is completely unacceptable that people in the private rental market are nervous about asking for essential repairs because they fear a rent increase or eviction notice," she said. "Everyone deserves to be able to live in secure homes without the constant fear of losing their home." National Association of Renters' Organisations spokesman Leo Patterson said the report validated what tenants already knew. "Despite extensive rental laws on paper, it exposes the stark gap between legislation and reality," he said. "Weak oversight of rental costs, property standards and industry practices have denied renters the benefits of a safe, stable and healthy home." The agencies involved in the project are calling for a limit to the amount and frequency of rent increases, improved legal security via the abolition of no-grounds evictions and more funding for tenants' advice services. Almost seven in 10 private housing tenants worry about asking for repairs in case they face a rent increase. A survey of more than a thousand renters across Australia has also found a third would be unable to afford a five per cent increase on what they're currently paying. Half the respondents live in homes that need repairs and one in 10 need them carried out urgently. Conducted by the Australian Council of Social Security, University of NSW, Sydney-led Poverty and Inequality Partnership, National Shelter and the National Association of Renter Organisations, the study is the 26th published by the advocacy network. It found 31 per cent of rental homes have cockroach, ant or other pest problems, almost a quarter are leaky and one in five have issues with hot water, while almost as many feature mouldy bathrooms. Rents have, meanwhile, surged a staggering 47 per cent in the past five years amid calls for nationwide rental increase limits. Even so, researchers found 68 per cent of tenants fear asking their landlord to repair their residence would mean upping the rent, 56 per suspect it would get them evicted and 52 per cent worry that they would be placed on a blacklist stopping them renting another property. The findings were magnified for tenants in disadvantaged groups, especially the unemployed, poorly educated and disabled. ACOSS chief executive Cassandra Goldie says the study highlights the serious failings of Australia's housing market. "It is completely unacceptable that people in the private rental market are nervous about asking for essential repairs because they fear a rent increase or eviction notice," she said. "Everyone deserves to be able to live in secure homes without the constant fear of losing their home." National Association of Renters' Organisations spokesman Leo Patterson said the report validated what tenants already knew. "Despite extensive rental laws on paper, it exposes the stark gap between legislation and reality," he said. "Weak oversight of rental costs, property standards and industry practices have denied renters the benefits of a safe, stable and healthy home." The agencies involved in the project are calling for a limit to the amount and frequency of rent increases, improved legal security via the abolition of no-grounds evictions and more funding for tenants' advice services. Almost seven in 10 private housing tenants worry about asking for repairs in case they face a rent increase. A survey of more than a thousand renters across Australia has also found a third would be unable to afford a five per cent increase on what they're currently paying. Half the respondents live in homes that need repairs and one in 10 need them carried out urgently. Conducted by the Australian Council of Social Security, University of NSW, Sydney-led Poverty and Inequality Partnership, National Shelter and the National Association of Renter Organisations, the study is the 26th published by the advocacy network. It found 31 per cent of rental homes have cockroach, ant or other pest problems, almost a quarter are leaky and one in five have issues with hot water, while almost as many feature mouldy bathrooms. Rents have, meanwhile, surged a staggering 47 per cent in the past five years amid calls for nationwide rental increase limits. Even so, researchers found 68 per cent of tenants fear asking their landlord to repair their residence would mean upping the rent, 56 per suspect it would get them evicted and 52 per cent worry that they would be placed on a blacklist stopping them renting another property. The findings were magnified for tenants in disadvantaged groups, especially the unemployed, poorly educated and disabled. ACOSS chief executive Cassandra Goldie says the study highlights the serious failings of Australia's housing market. "It is completely unacceptable that people in the private rental market are nervous about asking for essential repairs because they fear a rent increase or eviction notice," she said. "Everyone deserves to be able to live in secure homes without the constant fear of losing their home." National Association of Renters' Organisations spokesman Leo Patterson said the report validated what tenants already knew. "Despite extensive rental laws on paper, it exposes the stark gap between legislation and reality," he said. "Weak oversight of rental costs, property standards and industry practices have denied renters the benefits of a safe, stable and healthy home." The agencies involved in the project are calling for a limit to the amount and frequency of rent increases, improved legal security via the abolition of no-grounds evictions and more funding for tenants' advice services.
The Age
16-06-2025
- Health
- The Age
How the housing crisis is fuelling a mental health catastrophe
Every day more Australians are forced to spend a huge share of income on rent or mortgages, putting them under intense stress. In 2024, all major cities hit record rental unaffordability: the National Shelter/SGS Rental Affordability Index reports that rents have surged so much that householders on JobSeeker or basic pensions now find every market 'critically unaffordable'. In Sydney the median rent is $700+ a week (30 per cent of median income) and in Perth $600+ (31 per cent). Homeownership is ever more distant, vacancy rates have collapsed, and poorer renters in Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane are facing similar gaps between incomes and costs. This housing stress is now routine. A recent survey found four in five renters spend over 30 per cent of their income on housing. Over three-quarters of renters and mortgage-holders say the crisis has made them fear for their financial security. The toll shows up starkly on our streets and doorsteps. Australia's last census (2021) counted about 122,494 people as homeless on one night: including 7600 rough sleepers, and 23 per cent of those were aged 12 to 24. Meanwhile, everyday Australians tell similar stories of constant anxiety: pressure to find or keep a home, desperate rental searches, or living out of garages and boarding houses, eroding their sense of dignity. Tenants describe how endless rent hikes and knock-backs made them feel 'less human', always worried about losing any roof over their head. As housing stress deepens, Australia is also seeing a surge in mental ill-health. Decades of data show young people's psychological distress and diagnosed disorders have soared. For example, analysis of national surveys found the share of 15 to 25-year-olds with high psychological distress more than doubled from 2007 to 2021. The proportion of young Australians reporting a mental disorder in the past year jumped from 26 per cent in 2007 to about 40 per cent by 2022. In 2021–22, three-quarters of 15 to 24-year-olds had at least one chronic condition, with anxiety disorders affecting 26 per cent and depression 17 per cent. Loading Suicide and self-harm remain alarmingly high: they are the leading cause of death for young men (among injury deaths) and anxiety disorders the top issue for young women. In short, mental illness is now the single largest health burden facing teens and young adults in Australia. The pressure on mental health services is immense. GPs provide 85 per cent of mental-health prescriptions, and in 2021–22 people aged 12 to 24 already made up 23 per cent of all Medicare-funded mental health service users. Sharon Callister, CEO of welfare group Mission Australia, notes that one in five young people report severe distress and more than a fifth rank mental health as their biggest personal challenge. She warns 'so many young people are struggling with stress, anxiety, loneliness and depression', highlighting an 'urgent need for increased mental health support'. Clinics and hotlines are overwhelmed, and long waits for care are the norm, a reality far harsher for those also battling housing insecurity.
Sydney Morning Herald
16-06-2025
- Health
- Sydney Morning Herald
How the housing crisis is fuelling a mental health catastrophe
Every day more Australians are forced to spend a huge share of income on rent or mortgages, putting them under intense stress. In 2024, all major cities hit record rental unaffordability: the National Shelter/SGS Rental Affordability Index reports that rents have surged so much that householders on JobSeeker or basic pensions now find every market 'critically unaffordable'. In Sydney the median rent is $700+ a week (30 per cent of median income) and in Perth $600+ (31 per cent). Homeownership is ever more distant, vacancy rates have collapsed, and poorer renters in Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane are facing similar gaps between incomes and costs. This housing stress is now routine. A recent survey found four in five renters spend over 30 per cent of their income on housing. Over three-quarters of renters and mortgage-holders say the crisis has made them fear for their financial security. The toll shows up starkly on our streets and doorsteps. Australia's last census (2021) counted about 122,494 people as homeless on one night: including 7600 rough sleepers, and 23 per cent of those were aged 12 to 24. Meanwhile, everyday Australians tell similar stories of constant anxiety: pressure to find or keep a home, desperate rental searches, or living out of garages and boarding houses, eroding their sense of dignity. Tenants describe how endless rent hikes and knock-backs made them feel 'less human', always worried about losing any roof over their head. As housing stress deepens, Australia is also seeing a surge in mental ill-health. Decades of data show young people's psychological distress and diagnosed disorders have soared. For example, analysis of national surveys found the share of 15 to 25-year-olds with high psychological distress more than doubled from 2007 to 2021. The proportion of young Australians reporting a mental disorder in the past year jumped from 26 per cent in 2007 to about 40 per cent by 2022. In 2021–22, three-quarters of 15 to 24-year-olds had at least one chronic condition, with anxiety disorders affecting 26 per cent and depression 17 per cent. Loading Suicide and self-harm remain alarmingly high: they are the leading cause of death for young men (among injury deaths) and anxiety disorders the top issue for young women. In short, mental illness is now the single largest health burden facing teens and young adults in Australia. The pressure on mental health services is immense. GPs provide 85 per cent of mental-health prescriptions, and in 2021–22 people aged 12 to 24 already made up 23 per cent of all Medicare-funded mental health service users. Sharon Callister, CEO of welfare group Mission Australia, notes that one in five young people report severe distress and more than a fifth rank mental health as their biggest personal challenge. She warns 'so many young people are struggling with stress, anxiety, loneliness and depression', highlighting an 'urgent need for increased mental health support'. Clinics and hotlines are overwhelmed, and long waits for care are the norm, a reality far harsher for those also battling housing insecurity.
