New TasCOSS and TUT State of Housing Dashboard data shows that things are only getting harder for Tasmanian renters.
In the last year, Hobart rents have gone up more than any other capital city, bar one – 6% for homes, and 11% for units. The proportion of Tasmanians who rent from private landlords increased by 50% over the last 20 years, with the number of Tasmanians renting from the state housing authority almost halving.
It’s becoming impossible to find an affordable place to live in this state. The price of everything from groceries to rent just keeps going up, and Tasmanians are really doing it tough.
This could have been avoided, but the Liberals simply haven’t done enough on housing over the last decade. While rents have gone through the roof, the Liberal Government haven’t improved renters’ rights to fair and affordable leases, built enough public homes or reined in short stay.
Despite this, the Liberals are putting social housing on the stadium chopping block, with promises to reduce government business debt to fund the stadium. This simply demonstrates that they are so out of touch with everyday Tasmanians.
Tasmania has some of the weakest rental laws in the country. While the Liberal Government’s review of the Residential Tenancy Act is welcome, it must not be used to kick much-needed reform for renters down the road. The experts and advocates have been clear on what needs to be done.
Tasmanian renters need real rights now. We must stop unreasonable rent increases, end unfair evictions at the end of leases and ensure minimum energy efficiency standards. Action from the Liberal Government is long overdue.
