New reports released by Domain and Cotality paint a stark picture of worsening pain for renters, as rents continue to rise. The Liberal Government needs to step in and freeze rents while the review of Tasmania’s tenancy laws is underway.
According to Domain, Hobart house rents rose 0.8% to a record $625 per week in the June quarter – the seventh consecutive quarter of growth. Units rose by 4% to $520 per week. Meanwhile, Cotality’s Rental Review shows Hobart’s rents rose 2.8% last quarter to $632.
Hobart rents are continuing to rise to record levels. There seems to be no break for renters struggling to make ends meet in this cost of living crisis. Renters are at breaking point, as the price of rent, groceries and bills continues to go up.
It’s becoming impossible for renters to find an affordable place to call home. Things are only getting worse as more rentals are converted into short stay accommodation, completely unchecked by the Liberal Government.
It’s forcing more and more people onto the social housing waitlist, and into homelessness. In the midst of another freezing Hobart winter, it’s completely heartless for the Liberals not to step in and make things easier for people to keep a roof over their heads.
While there’s a review of Tasmania’s rental laws underway, Tasmanian renters just can’t afford any more price increases. The Liberals should pause the pain for renters across the state, freezing rents while the review is being completed.
