People making minimum wage can’t afford a room in an average-priced Tasmanian share house, according to Anglicare Tasmania’s latest Rental Affordability Snapshot. The Premier need to take action on this crisis by ensuring his government freezes rents and prevents unfair evictions of tenants.
Anglicare’s analysis of 770 properties listed across the State found no rentals were that were affordable for people on minimum wage. Solo parents, young people, single Tasmanians and disabled people on government benefits also can’t afford any rentals that are on the market.
Tasmania’s housing crisis has become so bad that many people can’t afford to pay the rent. At the same time, renters are trying to juggle the rising cost of living, as the conflict in the Middle East escalates the price of food and fuel.
Anglicare also found there was a 9% drop in homes listed for rent compared to last year, and half the number of available rentals being half what they were a decade ago. The housing crisis in this state has never been worse. Finding an affordable home is impossible for many people.
Tasmanian renters are already at breaking point and can’t cope with any more price increases. With winter approaching, many renters unfairly evicted from their homes will be left out in the cold, unable to find a rental they can afford. Something needs to be done.
In 2020 we saw Peter Gutwein freeze rents and prevent unfair evictions to support Tasmanians through some really tough circumstances. Jeremy Rockliff should do the same now.
