For mother-of-two Amanda Elsner, the issue of stable housing for her family is something that keeps her awake at night.
Amanda Elsner, who lives with her two sons, is struggling to pay the rent amid the rising cost of living pressures. Source: Supplied / Amanda Elsner
In South Australia, rental prices on average have increased by 20 per cent in the last two years, according to the SA Housing Authority. That’s meant an increase in the average weekly rent from $350 to $420.
Increasing requests for legal advice on rent increases
“[Renters] are always worried and live in some live in a perpetual state of fear that … if they do anything that the other party, in particular, the agent doesn’t like, they will be out at the end of the fixed term,” Ms Carr said.
“People are really facing a lot of increases, and that might be during their tenancies, or it might be because they’ve been evicted or forced to move, and they are now trying to find a new home and they’re all much more expensive than their previous homes,” Mr Ross said.
Growing number of Australians experiencing rental stress
The economic cost to the community on health, education, crime costs and productivity was calculated to reach $25 billion per year by 2051.
How should I negotiate my a rental price increase?
He said with high demand for rental properties in many parts of Australia, the market and legislative settings provide greater bargaining and negotiating power for landlords and property managers.
People across the country have experienced rental increases in line with increased cost of living. Source: AAP / James Ross
The ACT is the only jurisdiction in Australia which limits the size of rent increases.
How should I make my case if I dispute a rental increase at a civil administration tribunal?
“It requires a lot of work. A small number of cases in NSW come before the tribunal on rent increases. Of those that do – they are successful. But that doesn’t exclude the landlord finding another way to force out a tenant.”
What are my rights if my landlord wants to increase my rent?
Victoria
CAV will inspect the property and provide an assessment to you and your landlord. If the assessment says the increase is too high but your landlord refuses to lower it, you can apply to have the matter heard at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. But you must do so within 30 days of receiving the assessment.
NSW
You can try to negotiate with your landlord if you feel the proposed increase is unreasonable. If you are unable to agree on a figure, you can apply to have the matter heard at the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
Queensland
The application must be made within 30 days of receiving the notice of the rent increase.
South Australia
Western Australia
The rent increase can only proceed if the proper written notice rules are complied with, including at least 60 days’ notice and specification of new rent amount and the start date.
Northern Territory
ACT
A landlord can seek a rent increase above the prescribed amount but will have the onus to seek approval for that size of increase through the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT).
What’s being done to ease rental pressures?
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