The Victorian Greens say new research showing barely half of Victoria’s rental properties meet minimum standards proves that renters need stronger protections, including rent caps, so they can ask for repairs without fearing financial retaliation.
New research from La Trobe University found only 54 per cent of audited rental properties met Victoria’s minimum rental standards, with mould, dampness and bathroom conditions among the most common areas of non-compliance.
Almost seven in ten people who rent privately worry about asking for repairs in case they face a rent increase, according to research by the ACOSS/UNSW Sydney-led Poverty and Inequality Partnership, National Shelter and the National Association of Renter Organisations (NARO).
The Greens say the findings reflect what renters have been telling them for years: too many people are living with mould, leaks, broken fixtures and unsafe conditions, but are reluctant to push for repairs because they fear their rent will simply be increased at the next opportunity.
Victorian Greens housing spokesperson Gabrielle de Vietri said renters should not have to stay silent about unsafe or unhealthy living conditions just to keep a roof over their heads.
As stated by Victorian Greens Housing Spokesperson Gabrielle de Vietri:
“These findings confirm what renters have been telling us for years – renters are often too scared to ask for repairs because the landlord can simply jack up the rent.”
“No one should have to choose between living with mould, leaks and broken fixtures or risking a rent increase they can’t afford.”
“In the past five years rents have gone up 2.5 times faster than wages. Renters are spending too much of what they earn just paying their rent.
“You can have all the minimum standards you like but property investors have tenants on a tight lead because they have all the power. The risk of an unlimited rent is just too much for most renters – they’d rather stay silent than go back out and compete for another home.
“Jacinta Allan’s Labor Government can talk about renters’ rights all it likes, but it means nothing when renters are too scared to exercise them. The Greens have been saying this for years, we need to cap rents.”
