Tenants Hesitate to Request Repairs from Landlords

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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.

The study, overseen 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, marks the 26th publication by the advocacy network.

What else did the survey find?

The study also found:

— 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.

‘Completely unacceptable’

“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

Water dripping into buckets on the floor, while a couple sits on a couch in the background.

Almost a quarter of homes have an issue with leaks, according to the Australian Council of Social Services. Source: Getty / gorodenkoff

“Everyone deserves to be able to live in secure homes without the constant fear of losing their home,” Goldie said.

‘Gap between legislation and reality’

“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.