More than four in five renters are in housing stress, with homelessness the leading impact of the housing crisis, a report by national housing campaign Everybody’s Home has revealed.
Based on surveys of almost 750 people, the Brutal Reality report found that:
Two thirds (67%) of people are in housing stress
Four in five (82%) renters are in rental stress
Three quarters (75%) of people are scared about their financial security because of the housing crisis
Two thirds (66%) of people are worried about their mental health and wellbeing
The report also surveyed housing and welfare organisations across Australia. Nine in ten (89%) reported bigger and more complex workloads, while three in five (61%) said their staff were experiencing burnout or leaving their roles due to the crisis.
Everybody’s Home spokesperson Maiy Azize said the human cost of the housing crisis and inaction is grim.
“The housing crisis is pushing ordinary people to the brink with more people facing uncertainty, anxiety and hardship,” Ms Azize said.
“These figures and the stories behind them are harrowing. We’ve heard from people worried they will become homeless with their children, renters in extreme hardship, and older women who are considering sleeping in their cars or on the streets because they can’t find an affordable home.
“Others told us they feel hopeless, anxious and scared because they’re homeless or are at risk. Even people who own their own home are worried about what the future holds for their children.
“The crisis is also taking a huge toll on the organisations that support people. They are facing growing workloads and staff burnout. Many organisations told us they were worried their clients will be evicted.
“We need more social and affordable housing for people in extreme rental stress. Our shortfall is so big that some people in our survey have been waiting for over a decade.
“Social housing is the best way to free up cheaper rentals and boost the supply of affordable homes. The federal government must create 25,000 new homes each year to meet the social housing shortfall.
“Our national, state and territory leaders must work to create a better deal for renters. It’s time to end unfair rent increases and no-cause evictions for good.
“The federal government has to also phase out unfair tax breaks for investors. People told us they want the government to fund homes for people in need, not investment vehicles that push prices up for everyone.
“The solutions are clear. It is time to listen to people on the frontlines of our housing crisis and take action.”
