Report: New survey data shows full impact of unlimited rent increases

08/05/2023

Data released today from a new renters survey shows the full impact of unlimited rent increases on WA renters and “undeniable case for rent caps”.  The survey revealed that the vast majority of WA renters experienced at least one rent increase in the 12 months, and 85 per cent would struggle with an another increase.  

Almost two thirds of tenants surveyed also reported that they are currently too scared to ask for maintenance or necessary repairs in case that leads to an increase in rent.

It comes as the latest REIWA data shows that in just three years since the Covid-19 pandemic, WA’s median house rent increased by $190 per week, from $360 in October 2019 to $550 in April 2023.

The survey, conducted by the Make Renting Fair campaign, has had 352 responses as at 3 May 2023, and has exposed what advocates are describing as “deeply concerning findings” about the impacts of uncontrolled rent increases on West Australian renters. 

It found: 

• 30% of survey respondents have been renting more than 20 years. 51% of respondents were living with or had someone in the household experiencing disability. 
• 60% of respondents had experienced at least one rent increase in the last year, including 17% who experienced two or more increases. Most rents increased by $21-$75      a week, but one in ten saw increases of $76-$100 per week. 
• 85% would struggle with another rent increase.  52% would find it difficult and 33% would find it very difficult to manage a rent increase of another 10% as is currently predicted.
• Renters feel powerless to negotiate rent increases, mostly due to fear of eviction. 44% of survey respondents reported they had tried to negotiate the amount their rent was increased but were refused, and another 41% didn’t even ask due to the fear of losing their lease.
• Tenants are scared to report maintenance issues in case the cost of repairs is used to justify additional rent increases. 61% of tenants surveyed reported that they are currently too scared to ask for maintenance or necessary repairs in case that leads to an increase in rent. Respondents stated that they would rather do their own property maintenance or live with a problem, rather than reporting a maintenance issue, due to a fear that landlords or property managers would use the repair costs to justify increasing the rent.