Tasmanian Labor says the latest report into short-stay accommodation proves yet again how much the local rental market is being impacted and the need for regulation to protect renters.
The report by the Urban Housing and Research Institute confirms what renters in Hobart have long known: the high number of short-stay places is making it difficult and sometimes impossible for local renters to find affordable accommodation.
Labor Shadow Housing Minister Alison Standen said it’s hard to understand why the state government refuses to act to regulate this market so that Hobart residents have at least an even chance of finding a rental property to live in.
“Despite pressure building to act, the Gutwein Government has ruled out pausing new short-stay permits even though this would instantly ease the housing stress experienced by so many Hobart residents,” Ms Standen said.
“With 12 percent of rental places listed as short-stay, Hobart has the highest density in Australia as a proportion of the rental market, also making it one of the highest densities in the world.
“The government could do something about this now but refuses to do so.
“It’s also been sitting on its own quarterly data set for months now, refusing to release the information for public scrutiny.
“We have an opportunity to act immediately to regulate the short-stay market to pause new permits on entire dwellings in areas of high rental stress.
“This week former Real Estate Institute President and experienced real estate professional Tony Collidge urged the Gutwein Government to place a cap on short-stay rentals in population centres.
“New South Wales has moved to tighten regulations in the short-stay rental market, with a new code starting this month – why can’t we?
“With our borders open again and visitors starting to return, we cannot go back to the conditions that brought about Tasmania’s housing crisis. We need to prioritise housing security and look after all Tasmanians.”
Alison Standen MP
Shadow Minister for Housing
