As the rental crisis in Australia continues to mount, more and more people are finding themselves pushed out of their local community, forced to move miles away just to find a suitable home.

Unfortunately, that's exactly what happened to one pensioner who recently had to uproot her life and relocate in order to find rental accommodation.

Karren Warren, who'd been living in Merimbula, NSW, for twelve years, was devastated when her two-bedroom rental was sold in October – leaving her completely priced out of the market.

After many years enjoying her home, and especially the lovely view of the lake, the 71-year-old grandmother had no choice but to set off on a lonely and change-filled journey to the town of Batehaven, over a hundred kilometres up the coast.

'It's greed, pure greed. And it's about time the government realised that this has got to stop,' she said.

'People cannot just do — they're playing with people's lives here. These landlords, they just don't care. There are women and children and everyone living in tents, for God's sake.'

After her landlord sold her property, a 71-year-old pensioner was forced to pack up and move over a hundred kilometres away from her long-time home. Credit: Pexels/Ketut Subiyanto.

The widow found a much smaller place for $300 a week, but the problems with the house itself pale in comparison to being isolated from her old neighbours and friends, as well as further away from her children and grandchildren.

Although it breaks her heart to be apart from her family, Warren can't afford to make the long drive back, especially on her tight pension.

Petrol is too costly, and although she misses it dearly, Merimbula is slowly becoming an inaccessible 'home away from home'.

'I just loved Merimbula. I still do,' she said. 'But I'll never get back there.'

As the rental crisis in Australia continues to worsen, Warren's story is just one of many.

According to SQM Research, nationwide house rentals have skyrocketed since the early months of the pandemic, with the average increase reaching a staggering $170, or more than a third.

Units aren't far behind, with a nearly 30% increase to $480 over the same period.

On the NSW south coast, where Warren resides, the average home rental has surged from $450 pre-pandemic to a peak of $700 in January of last year before settling at around $650.

This trend is not limited to the south coast, as other regional centres, such as Queensland's Sunshine Coast, have also seen a sudden spike, with rentals breaking the $700 barrier this month after being stable just below $400 for years.

As rental prices go up, more and more people are being forced out of their homes. Credit: Pexels/Karolina Grabowska.

According to housing expert Professor Nicole Gurran, the housing market is in a state of constant flux as people return to work in full force, international students and immigration drive demand.

This dynamic shift is evident in the rental market, where the effects are seen first. The surging buyers' market is also leaving those on decent wages priced out, forcing them to compete with lower-income earners for rental properties.

Gurran delved deeper into the complexities of the housing market, explaining that the supply of housing is ultimately controlled by market forces, much like any other commodity. She reveals how this fundamental principle plays out in determining the availability and cost of housing for the average person.

'I almost think it's irrelevant whether landlords are greedy or not until we have a housing system and a housing policy framework that makes sure we've got sufficient affordable rental homes for people on low and moderate-income to access,' said Gurran.

'And until we've got a housing system that protects the needs and the rights of renters, you know, of course, a for-profit provider is going to maximise their profits in most cases.'

Professor Gurran is the Chair of Urbanism from the University of Sydney's School of Architecture, Design and Planning, and she argued that the main structural fix for this situation is an increase in funding for social and affordable housing, plus policy changes to ensure a certain amount of homes in new developments for key workers.

Landlords are putting tenants in an impossible position of having to choose between paying more or losing their homes. Credit: Pexels/Thirdman.

The Tenants' Union of NSW paints a dire picture of the rental market, where the competition for vacancies is so fierce that tenants are being hit with both a huge price increase and an eviction notice at the same time, leaving them with the impossible choice of either paying more or risking homelessness.

This situation also means that tenants have little power to enforce their rights as outlined in their rental contracts, as they are forced to tolerate poor maintenance and other issues just to keep a roof over their heads.

Key Takeaways

• Karren Warren was forced to move two hours away from family and friends when her beloved two-bed rental was sold.
• Rental prices across Australia have surged since the early months of the pandemic, up on average a staggering $170 or more than a third, according to SQM Research.
• The main structural fix to rental price surges is an increase in funding for social and affordable housing.
• Tenants are being forced to put up with poor maintenance and other problems as they don't have any leverage to enforce the rights laid out in their rental contracts.

Members, if you're battling with unfair rental prices or unreasonable landlords, our advice is to contact and get help from these various organisations:

• The Tenants' Union of New South Wales (NSW) offers advice and representation for tenants in the state.
• The Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) in Queensland provides information and support for tenants and landlords in the state.
• The Consumer Affairs Victoria offers advice and assistance for renters in Victoria.
• The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety Residential Tenancies Unit in Western Australia provides information and support for tenants and landlords in the state.
• The Consumer and Business Services (CBS) in South Australia provides advice and assistance for renters in the state.
• The Tenants Union of Tasmania (TUT) provides advice and representation for tenants in Tasmania.
• The Northern Territory Consumer Affairs offers advice and assistance for renters in the Northern Territory.

Members, we want to hear from you. Have you or someone you know been hit hard by soaring rental prices or evictions? And if you’ve successfully found a place to rent, what tips do you have for other older Australians?

Let's start an open and honest conversation in the comments below. Share your stories, offer advice, and let's support each other as we navigate this difficult situation.

 

[JedCorella]

What do you expect when the government shuts down the country by a total over reach and over reaction to the plandemic? I feel really sorry for the old lady but it is, in a lot of cases, not greedy landlords. It is that the owners of these properties also have huge cost increases to have these properties. For example, insurance has risen dramatically and so are all the costs of maintaining a rental property. The other issue that is not being discussed is the fact that real estate agents get in the rental properties owners' ears and tell them that they can get a lot more rent and this will increase the fees that they get for managing the property.
The main reason why we are in a world wide recession is the governments and the gross mismanagement of the economies and endless printing of money to cover up their incompetence.

 

[Jim P.]

As the rental crisis in Australia continues to mount, more and more people are finding themselves pushed out of their local community, forced to move miles away just to find a suitable home.

Unfortunately, that's exactly what happened to one pensioner who recently had to uproot her life and relocate in order to find rental accommodation.

Karren Warren, who'd been living in Merimbula, NSW, for twelve years, was devastated when her two-bedroom rental was sold in October – leaving her completely priced out of the market.

After many years enjoying her home, and especially the lovely view of the lake, the 71-year-old grandmother had no choice but to set off on a lonely and change-filled journey to the town of Batehaven, over a hundred kilometres up the coast.

'It's greed, pure greed. And it's about time the government realised that this has got to stop,' she said.

'People cannot just do — they're playing with people's lives here. These landlords, they just don't care. There are women and children and everyone living in tents, for God's sake.'

View attachment 12239

After her landlord sold her property, a 71-year-old pensioner was forced to pack up and move over a hundred kilometres away from her long-time home. Credit: Pexels/Ketut Subiyanto.

The widow found a much smaller place for $300 a week, but the problems with the house itself pale in comparison to being isolated from her old neighbours and friends, as well as further away from her children and grandchildren.

Although it breaks her heart to be apart from her family, Warren can't afford to make the long drive back, especially on her tight pension.

Petrol is too costly, and although she misses it dearly, Merimbula is slowly becoming an inaccessible 'home away from home'.

'I just loved Merimbula. I still do,' she said. 'But I'll never get back there.'

As the rental crisis in Australia continues to worsen, Warren's story is just one of many.

According to SQM Research, nationwide house rentals have skyrocketed since the early months of the pandemic, with the average increase reaching a staggering $170, or more than a third.

Units aren't far behind, with a nearly 30% increase to $480 over the same period.

On the NSW south coast, where Warren resides, the average home rental has surged from $450 pre-pandemic to a peak of $700 in January of last year before settling at around $650.

This trend is not limited to the south coast, as other regional centres, such as Queensland's Sunshine Coast, have also seen a sudden spike, with rentals breaking the $700 barrier this month after being stable just below $400 for years.

View attachment 12240

As rental prices go up, more and more people are being forced out of their homes. Credit: Pexels/Karolina Grabowska.

According to housing expert Professor Nicole Gurran, the housing market is in a state of constant flux as people return to work in full force, international students and immigration drive demand.

This dynamic shift is evident in the rental market, where the effects are seen first. The surging buyers' market is also leaving those on decent wages priced out, forcing them to compete with lower-income earners for rental properties.

Gurran delved deeper into the complexities of the housing market, explaining that the supply of housing is ultimately controlled by market forces, much like any other commodity. She reveals how this fundamental principle plays out in determining the availability and cost of housing for the average person.

'I almost think it's irrelevant whether landlords are greedy or not until we have a housing system and a housing policy framework that makes sure we've got sufficient affordable rental homes for people on low and moderate-income to access,' said Gurran.

'And until we've got a housing system that protects the needs and the rights of renters, you know, of course, a for-profit provider is going to maximise their profits in most cases.'

Professor Gurran is the Chair of Urbanism from the University of Sydney's School of Architecture, Design and Planning, and she argued that the main structural fix for this situation is an increase in funding for social and affordable housing, plus policy changes to ensure a certain amount of homes in new developments for key workers.

View attachment 12241

Landlords are putting tenants in an impossible position of having to choose between paying more or losing their homes. Credit: Pexels/Thirdman.

The Tenants' Union of NSW paints a dire picture of the rental market, where the competition for vacancies is so fierce that tenants are being hit with both a huge price increase and an eviction notice at the same time, leaving them with the impossible choice of either paying more or risking homelessness.

This situation also means that tenants have little power to enforce their rights as outlined in their rental contracts, as they are forced to tolerate poor maintenance and other issues just to keep a roof over their heads.

Key Takeaways

• Karren Warren was forced to move two hours away from family and friends when her beloved two-bed rental was sold.
• Rental prices across Australia have surged since the early months of the pandemic, up on average a staggering $170 or more than a third, according to SQM Research.
• The main structural fix to rental price surges is an increase in funding for social and affordable housing.
• Tenants are being forced to put up with poor maintenance and other problems as they don't have any leverage to enforce the rights laid out in their rental contracts.

Members, if you're battling with unfair rental prices or unreasonable landlords, our advice is to contact and get help from these various organisations:

• The Tenants' Union of New South Wales (NSW) offers advice and representation for tenants in the state.
• The Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) in Queensland provides information and support for tenants and landlords in the state.
• The Consumer Affairs Victoria offers advice and assistance for renters in Victoria.
• The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety Residential Tenancies Unit in Western Australia provides information and support for tenants and landlords in the state.
• The Consumer and Business Services (CBS) in South Australia provides advice and assistance for renters in the state.
• The Tenants Union of Tasmania (TUT) provides advice and representation for tenants in Tasmania.
• The Northern Territory Consumer Affairs offers advice and assistance for renters in the Northern Territory.

Members, we want to hear from you. Have you or someone you know been hit hard by soaring rental prices or evictions? And if you’ve successfully found a place to rent, what tips do you have for other older Australians?

Let's start an open and honest conversation in the comments below. Share your stories, offer advice, and let's support each other as we navigate this difficult situation.

Just recently, my grandchildren and son-in-law were forced to move because the house owner wanted to sell. The ONLY accommodation house they could find is costing them $900 per week. Nice house, but $900?

 

[JedCorella]

Just recently, my grandchildren and son-in-law were forced to move because the house owner wanted to sell. The ONLY accommodation house they could find is costing them $900 per week. Nice house, but $900?

$900 per week?!! You could easily paying off a mortgage with that kind of money. I had a neighbour years ago that earned really good money but couldn't buy a house because of his age. It's so sad to see the emotional roller coaster these people are on.
There are also a lot of people in trouble now with mortgage stress and that will continue to increase as we get deeper into this recession.

 

[Defiant540]

can she not get government rental? as in saht?

 

[Macarj]

Shouldn't blame landlords the Government should have houses and unit to rent to people who can't afford commercial rent in previous decades there were many more Housing Commission homes than there are now

 

[Rosalie30]

I really feel for this lady. However, this nonsense about greedy landlords is just that. During their working lives, some people make an investment in a rental property to bolster their retirement savings. Then in their 60s they may sell that property using advice from their financial expert to prepare for that retirement. What’s wrong with that? Other landlords have seen costs rising on their properties, including interest rates, council rates, repairs etc. They then need to raise the rent accordingly. In addition, investment properties purchased in the past few years have been at much higher prices equaling much higher rents. Sad but true. I do agree that there should be more Housing Commission homes available to people who cannot afford these higher rents.

 

[Jennylolo]

landlords may not own that property outright and have a loan, with rates going up almost monthly, they are struggling too.
$900 a week, I don't even earn that much a week!.

 

[Luckyus]

As the rental crisis in Australia continues to mount, more and more people are finding themselves pushed out of their local community, forced to move miles away just to find a suitable home.

Unfortunately, that's exactly what happened to one pensioner who recently had to uproot her life and relocate in order to find rental accommodation.

Karren Warren, who'd been living in Merimbula, NSW, for twelve years, was devastated when her two-bedroom rental was sold in October – leaving her completely priced out of the market.

After many years enjoying her home, and especially the lovely view of the lake, the 71-year-old grandmother had no choice but to set off on a lonely and change-filled journey to the town of Batehaven, over a hundred kilometres up the coast.

'It's greed, pure greed. And it's about time the government realised that this has got to stop,' she said.

'People cannot just do — they're playing with people's lives here. These landlords, they just don't care. There are women and children and everyone living in tents, for God's sake.'

View attachment 12239

After her landlord sold her property, a 71-year-old pensioner was forced to pack up and move over a hundred kilometres away from her long-time home. Credit: Pexels/Ketut Subiyanto.

The widow found a much smaller place for $300 a week, but the problems with the house itself pale in comparison to being isolated from her old neighbours and friends, as well as further away from her children and grandchildren.

Although it breaks her heart to be apart from her family, Warren can't afford to make the long drive back, especially on her tight pension.

Petrol is too costly, and although she misses it dearly, Merimbula is slowly becoming an inaccessible 'home away from home'.

'I just loved Merimbula. I still do,' she said. 'But I'll never get back there.'

As the rental crisis in Australia continues to worsen, Warren's story is just one of many.

According to SQM Research, nationwide house rentals have skyrocketed since the early months of the pandemic, with the average increase reaching a staggering $170, or more than a third.

Units aren't far behind, with a nearly 30% increase to $480 over the same period.

On the NSW south coast, where Warren resides, the average home rental has surged from $450 pre-pandemic to a peak of $700 in January of last year before settling at around $650.

This trend is not limited to the south coast, as other regional centres, such as Queensland's Sunshine Coast, have also seen a sudden spike, with rentals breaking the $700 barrier this month after being stable just below $400 for years.

View attachment 12240

As rental prices go up, more and more people are being forced out of their homes. Credit: Pexels/Karolina Grabowska.

According to housing expert Professor Nicole Gurran, the housing market is in a state of constant flux as people return to work in full force, international students and immigration drive demand.

This dynamic shift is evident in the rental market, where the effects are seen first. The surging buyers' market is also leaving those on decent wages priced out, forcing them to compete with lower-income earners for rental properties.

Gurran delved deeper into the complexities of the housing market, explaining that the supply of housing is ultimately controlled by market forces, much like any other commodity. She reveals how this fundamental principle plays out in determining the availability and cost of housing for the average person.

'I almost think it's irrelevant whether landlords are greedy or not until we have a housing system and a housing policy framework that makes sure we've got sufficient affordable rental homes for people on low and moderate-income to access,' said Gurran.

'And until we've got a housing system that protects the needs and the rights of renters, you know, of course, a for-profit provider is going to maximise their profits in most cases.'

Professor Gurran is the Chair of Urbanism from the University of Sydney's School of Architecture, Design and Planning, and she argued that the main structural fix for this situation is an increase in funding for social and affordable housing, plus policy changes to ensure a certain amount of homes in new developments for key workers.

View attachment 12241

Landlords are putting tenants in an impossible position of having to choose between paying more or losing their homes. Credit: Pexels/Thirdman.

The Tenants' Union of NSW paints a dire picture of the rental market, where the competition for vacancies is so fierce that tenants are being hit with both a huge price increase and an eviction notice at the same time, leaving them with the impossible choice of either paying more or risking homelessness.

This situation also means that tenants have little power to enforce their rights as outlined in their rental contracts, as they are forced to tolerate poor maintenance and other issues just to keep a roof over their heads.

Key Takeaways

• Karren Warren was forced to move two hours away from family and friends when her beloved two-bed rental was sold.
• Rental prices across Australia have surged since the early months of the pandemic, up on average a staggering $170 or more than a third, according to SQM Research.
• The main structural fix to rental price surges is an increase in funding for social and affordable housing.
• Tenants are being forced to put up with poor maintenance and other problems as they don't have any leverage to enforce the rights laid out in their rental contracts.

Members, if you're battling with unfair rental prices or unreasonable landlords, our advice is to contact and get help from these various organisations:

• The Tenants' Union of New South Wales (NSW) offers advice and representation for tenants in the state.
• The Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) in Queensland provides information and support for tenants and landlords in the state.
• The Consumer Affairs Victoria offers advice and assistance for renters in Victoria.
• The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety Residential Tenancies Unit in Western Australia provides information and support for tenants and landlords in the state.
• The Consumer and Business Services (CBS) in South Australia provides advice and assistance for renters in the state.
• The Tenants Union of Tasmania (TUT) provides advice and representation for tenants in Tasmania.
• The Northern Territory Consumer Affairs offers advice and assistance for renters in the Northern Territory.

Members, we want to hear from you. Have you or someone you know been hit hard by soaring rental prices or evictions? And if you’ve successfully found a place to rent, what tips do you have for other older Australians?

Let's start an open and honest conversation in the comments below. Share your stories, offer advice, and let's support each other as we navigate this difficult situation.

When the Howard government was in power a government department stated that with all the monies successive had reaped from the mining, they could have built housing for every family in the country while not impacting any existing works. As usual, governments ignored this advice to their detriment government doesn't seem to give a bugger, what happened to all the council house building projects?

 

[DrivingGirl]

What do you expect when the government shuts down the country by a total over reach and over reaction to the plandemic? I feel really sorry for the old lady but it is, in a lot of cases, not greedy landlords. It is that the owners of these properties also have huge cost increases to have these properties. For example, insurance has risen dramatically and so are all the costs of maintaining a rental property. The other issue that is not being discussed is the fact that real estate agents get in the rental properties owners' ears and tell them that they can get a lot more rent and this will increase the fees that they get for managing the property.
The main reason why we are in a world wide recession is the governments and the gross mismanagement of the economies and endless printing of money to cover up their incompetence.

Totally agree - if governments were not allowed to accept money from lobby groups, we would have much fairer and more honest governance!
How much does it cost to have people sign their name next to the member of parliament they want to represent them anyway- it’s a massive gravy train for the greedy and privileged politicians, who only seek to stay in their job rather than help their constituents! The whole system is rotten to the core and we don’t need it!
We should be allowed to not vote and if the member doesn’t get a minimum of votes they should be replaced. It might sound back to front but most people that vote don’t even know what they’re voting for! They’ve been seduced by the advertising that the lobby groups money pays for. Sorry for the rant but it makes me want to puke

 

[Julia TH]

can she not get government rental? as in saht?

Most government rental housing has an approximate five year waiting list. Even for urgent cases it's at least two years.

 

[Jennie]

$900 per week?!! You could easily paying off a mortgage with that kind of money. I had a neighbour years ago that earned really good money but couldn't buy a house because of his age. It's so sad to see the emotional roller coaster these people are on.
There are also a lot of people in trouble now with mortgage stress and that will continue to increase as we get deeper into this recession.

Your neighbour must have been very old, my daughter who turned 50 has just taken out a mortgage and she is also single.

 

[Lynjw]

As the rental crisis in Australia continues to mount, more and more people are finding themselves pushed out of their local community, forced to move miles away just to find a suitable home.

Unfortunately, that's exactly what happened to one pensioner who recently had to uproot her life and relocate in order to find rental accommodation.

Karren Warren, who'd been living in Merimbula, NSW, for twelve years, was devastated when her two-bedroom rental was sold in October – leaving her completely priced out of the market.

After many years enjoying her home, and especially the lovely view of the lake, the 71-year-old grandmother had no choice but to set off on a lonely and change-filled journey to the town of Batehaven, over a hundred kilometres up the coast.

'It's greed, pure greed. And it's about time the government realised that this has got to stop,' she said.

'People cannot just do — they're playing with people's lives here. These landlords, they just don't care. There are women and children and everyone living in tents, for God's sake.'

View attachment 12239

After her landlord sold her property, a 71-year-old pensioner was forced to pack up and move over a hundred kilometres away from her long-time home. Credit: Pexels/Ketut Subiyanto.

The widow found a much smaller place for $300 a week, but the problems with the house itself pale in comparison to being isolated from her old neighbours and friends, as well as further away from her children and grandchildren.

Although it breaks her heart to be apart from her family, Warren can't afford to make the long drive back, especially on her tight pension.

Petrol is too costly, and although she misses it dearly, Merimbula is slowly becoming an inaccessible 'home away from home'.

'I just loved Merimbula. I still do,' she said. 'But I'll never get back there.'

As the rental crisis in Australia continues to worsen, Warren's story is just one of many.

According to SQM Research, nationwide house rentals have skyrocketed since the early months of the pandemic, with the average increase reaching a staggering $170, or more than a third.

Units aren't far behind, with a nearly 30% increase to $480 over the same period.

On the NSW south coast, where Warren resides, the average home rental has surged from $450 pre-pandemic to a peak of $700 in January of last year before settling at around $650.

This trend is not limited to the south coast, as other regional centres, such as Queensland's Sunshine Coast, have also seen a sudden spike, with rentals breaking the $700 barrier this month after being stable just below $400 for years.

View attachment 12240

As rental prices go up, more and more people are being forced out of their homes. Credit: Pexels/Karolina Grabowska.

According to housing expert Professor Nicole Gurran, the housing market is in a state of constant flux as people return to work in full force, international students and immigration drive demand.

This dynamic shift is evident in the rental market, where the effects are seen first. The surging buyers' market is also leaving those on decent wages priced out, forcing them to compete with lower-income earners for rental properties.

Gurran delved deeper into the complexities of the housing market, explaining that the supply of housing is ultimately controlled by market forces, much like any other commodity. She reveals how this fundamental principle plays out in determining the availability and cost of housing for the average person.

'I almost think it's irrelevant whether landlords are greedy or not until we have a housing system and a housing policy framework that makes sure we've got sufficient affordable rental homes for people on low and moderate-income to access,' said Gurran.

'And until we've got a housing system that protects the needs and the rights of renters, you know, of course, a for-profit provider is going to maximise their profits in most cases.'

Professor Gurran is the Chair of Urbanism from the University of Sydney's School of Architecture, Design and Planning, and she argued that the main structural fix for this situation is an increase in funding for social and affordable housing, plus policy changes to ensure a certain amount of homes in new developments for key workers.

View attachment 12241

Landlords are putting tenants in an impossible position of having to choose between paying more or losing their homes. Credit: Pexels/Thirdman.

The Tenants' Union of NSW paints a dire picture of the rental market, where the competition for vacancies is so fierce that tenants are being hit with both a huge price increase and an eviction notice at the same time, leaving them with the impossible choice of either paying more or risking homelessness.

This situation also means that tenants have little power to enforce their rights as outlined in their rental contracts, as they are forced to tolerate poor maintenance and other issues just to keep a roof over their heads.

Key Takeaways

• Karren Warren was forced to move two hours away from family and friends when her beloved two-bed rental was sold.
• Rental prices across Australia have surged since the early months of the pandemic, up on average a staggering $170 or more than a third, according to SQM Research.
• The main structural fix to rental price surges is an increase in funding for social and affordable housing.
• Tenants are being forced to put up with poor maintenance and other problems as they don't have any leverage to enforce the rights laid out in their rental contracts.

Members, if you're battling with unfair rental prices or unreasonable landlords, our advice is to contact and get help from these various organisations:

• The Tenants' Union of New South Wales (NSW) offers advice and representation for tenants in the state.
• The Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) in Queensland provides information and support for tenants and landlords in the state.
• The Consumer Affairs Victoria offers advice and assistance for renters in Victoria.
• The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety Residential Tenancies Unit in Western Australia provides information and support for tenants and landlords in the state.
• The Consumer and Business Services (CBS) in South Australia provides advice and assistance for renters in the state.
• The Tenants Union of Tasmania (TUT) provides advice and representation for tenants in Tasmania.
• The Northern Territory Consumer Affairs offers advice and assistance for renters in the Northern Territory.

Members, we want to hear from you. Have you or someone you know been hit hard by soaring rental prices or evictions? And if you’ve successfully found a place to rent, what tips do you have for other older Australians?

Let's start an open and honest conversation in the comments below. Share your stories, offer advice, and let's support each other as we navigate this difficult situation.

Costs r just too high all round. How r we supposed to live when prices are out of control, especially pensioners.

 

[JedCorella]

Your neighbour must have been very old, my daughter who turned 50 has just taken out a mortgage and she is also single.

Your daughter should also buy a lottery ticket as it seems really unusual to get a mortgage at that age. Was it last year before the federal reserve broke their promise not to raise interest rates until 2024? All due respect but what does the bank hols as security at her age?

 

[Defiant540]

Most government rental housing has an approximate five year waiting list. Even for urgent cases it's at least two years.

it's a start, I waited 5 years for mine

 

[Jarred Santos]

As the rental crisis in Australia continues to mount, more and more people are finding themselves pushed out of their local community, forced to move miles away just to find a suitable home.

Unfortunately, that's exactly what happened to one pensioner who recently had to uproot her life and relocate in order to find rental accommodation.

Karren Warren, who'd been living in Merimbula, NSW, for twelve years, was devastated when her two-bedroom rental was sold in October – leaving her completely priced out of the market.

After many years enjoying her home, and especially the lovely view of the lake, the 71-year-old grandmother had no choice but to set off on a lonely and change-filled journey to the town of Batehaven, over a hundred kilometres up the coast.

'It's greed, pure greed. And it's about time the government realised that this has got to stop,' she said.

'People cannot just do — they're playing with people's lives here. These landlords, they just don't care. There are women and children and everyone living in tents, for God's sake.'

View attachment 12239

After her landlord sold her property, a 71-year-old pensioner was forced to pack up and move over a hundred kilometres away from her long-time home. Credit: Pexels/Ketut Subiyanto.

The widow found a much smaller place for $300 a week, but the problems with the house itself pale in comparison to being isolated from her old neighbours and friends, as well as further away from her children and grandchildren.

Although it breaks her heart to be apart from her family, Warren can't afford to make the long drive back, especially on her tight pension.

Petrol is too costly, and although she misses it dearly, Merimbula is slowly becoming an inaccessible 'home away from home'.

'I just loved Merimbula. I still do,' she said. 'But I'll never get back there.'

As the rental crisis in Australia continues to worsen, Warren's story is just one of many.

According to SQM Research, nationwide house rentals have skyrocketed since the early months of the pandemic, with the average increase reaching a staggering $170, or more than a third.

Units aren't far behind, with a nearly 30% increase to $480 over the same period.

On the NSW south coast, where Warren resides, the average home rental has surged from $450 pre-pandemic to a peak of $700 in January of last year before settling at around $650.

This trend is not limited to the south coast, as other regional centres, such as Queensland's Sunshine Coast, have also seen a sudden spike, with rentals breaking the $700 barrier this month after being stable just below $400 for years.

View attachment 12240

As rental prices go up, more and more people are being forced out of their homes. Credit: Pexels/Karolina Grabowska.

According to housing expert Professor Nicole Gurran, the housing market is in a state of constant flux as people return to work in full force, international students and immigration drive demand.

This dynamic shift is evident in the rental market, where the effects are seen first. The surging buyers' market is also leaving those on decent wages priced out, forcing them to compete with lower-income earners for rental properties.

Gurran delved deeper into the complexities of the housing market, explaining that the supply of housing is ultimately controlled by market forces, much like any other commodity. She reveals how this fundamental principle plays out in determining the availability and cost of housing for the average person.

'I almost think it's irrelevant whether landlords are greedy or not until we have a housing system and a housing policy framework that makes sure we've got sufficient affordable rental homes for people on low and moderate-income to access,' said Gurran.

'And until we've got a housing system that protects the needs and the rights of renters, you know, of course, a for-profit provider is going to maximise their profits in most cases.'

Professor Gurran is the Chair of Urbanism from the University of Sydney's School of Architecture, Design and Planning, and she argued that the main structural fix for this situation is an increase in funding for social and affordable housing, plus policy changes to ensure a certain amount of homes in new developments for key workers.

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Landlords are putting tenants in an impossible position of having to choose between paying more or losing their homes. Credit: Pexels/Thirdman.

The Tenants' Union of NSW paints a dire picture of the rental market, where the competition for vacancies is so fierce that tenants are being hit with both a huge price increase and an eviction notice at the same time, leaving them with the impossible choice of either paying more or risking homelessness.

This situation also means that tenants have little power to enforce their rights as outlined in their rental contracts, as they are forced to tolerate poor maintenance and other issues just to keep a roof over their heads.

Key Takeaways

• Karren Warren was forced to move two hours away from family and friends when her beloved two-bed rental was sold.
• Rental prices across Australia have surged since the early months of the pandemic, up on average a staggering $170 or more than a third, according to SQM Research.
• The main structural fix to rental price surges is an increase in funding for social and affordable housing.
• Tenants are being forced to put up with poor maintenance and other problems as they don't have any leverage to enforce the rights laid out in their rental contracts.

Members, if you're battling with unfair rental prices or unreasonable landlords, our advice is to contact and get help from these various organisations:

• The Tenants' Union of New South Wales (NSW) offers advice and representation for tenants in the state.
• The Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) in Queensland provides information and support for tenants and landlords in the state.
• The Consumer Affairs Victoria offers advice and assistance for renters in Victoria.
• The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety Residential Tenancies Unit in Western Australia provides information and support for tenants and landlords in the state.
• The Consumer and Business Services (CBS) in South Australia provides advice and assistance for renters in the state.
• The Tenants Union of Tasmania (TUT) provides advice and representation for tenants in Tasmania.
• The Northern Territory Consumer Affairs offers advice and assistance for renters in the Northern Territory.

Members, we want to hear from you. Have you or someone you know been hit hard by soaring rental prices or evictions? And if you’ve successfully found a place to rent, what tips do you have for other older Australians?

Let's start an open and honest conversation in the comments below. Share your stories, offer advice, and let's support each other as we navigate this difficult situation.

A response sent in by our dear member @bartrac45:

'Sorry to disillusion you Lady Tenant but my Wife & I worked in our own Business 6 &7 Days a week mostly 16 Hours a day & around Christmas several 24 hour a day shifts of hard Factory type work.

Now retired (Ha Ha) we are self funded retirees, still paying Tax at 78 & 79 years of age. $41.50 for PBS prescriptions that Pensioners can get for $6.50 & No Perks available to Pensioners whatsoever.

We invested over the years in 3 Domestic Rental Properties for our retirement Income (What a Joke) Council Rates, Water Rates, Insurance, Land Tax takes all the Rent from one of the properties.

Then Tenants do damage over & above the Bond which always costs when they leave.

Just last week add to that $1475 for a new Hot Water Service in one of the Houses. In hindsight we should never have worked so hard and gone on the Pension & we would be far better off financially at the moment.

The solution is what has happened to you. Sell the Properties to Owner Occupiers (Government loses the Land Tax) Get around $2,750,000 for the 3 Properties & invest at 4.25% in Banks securely (no Rates or expenses to pay on repair & replacements.

This would bring in $116,875 per annum (I.e. $58437.50 each - $1120.72 each per week without a worry in the world chasing after Tenants. (or Higher in Latrobe Financial 5.5%).

That my friend is why Landlords are selling their Properties – the Government have made it a FAR Better proposition not to own Property & they think you can afford to buy it, so they got that wrong too.'

And in a following message, he added: 'She doesn’t appreciate how well off she is on the Pension compared to struggling Property Landlords, especially the ones with an interest increasing Mortgages, nearly every month who bought an investment to supplement income and have been burnt, creating a DEBT instead.

Add insult to injury, their Property won’t sell now for what they paid for it, so they are stuck with the debt.'