Majority of tenants face significant issues with rent, safety, and complaint processes
Just around one in six or 16% of Victorian renters have high confidence in the state’s rental market, while nearly four in five have experienced at least one significant tenancy issue in the past year, a new survey has found.
The inaugural Renter Confidence Index (RCI), released by the Consumer Policy Research Centre (CPRC), highlights widespread concerns about rent increases, property standards, and the effectiveness of complaint processes among Victoria’s 1.5 million tenants. The RCI, launched at Parliament House with the Victorian Minister for Consumer Affairs and industry representatives, aims to provide insights into tenant sentiment and satisfaction in a sector serving more than a third of Victorians.
The report reveals that many renters believe their properties do not meet minimum standards, but hesitate to raise concerns due to fears of eviction or negative references. Single renters on lower incomes and families with children are the most affected, with renting families on lower incomes reporting an average confidence score of just 54 out of 100.
“The stress of insecure housing is relentless: it affects mental health, parenting, children’s education and the ability to plan,” said Jenny Davidson, chief executive of the Council of Single Mothers and their Children. “Supports that reduce that stress, like stable leases, fair rent, and responsive systems, make a real difference to everyone involved in the renting landscape.”
Rachna Madaan Bowman, head of housing and financial wellbeing at South East Community Links, added: “We need tenancy systems that are culturally safe, accessible, and responsive to diverse needs. “Policies that support financial stability, language access, and culturally appropriate services can transform the rental experience for all communities.
“It’s about equity and making sure everyone has a fair shot at a safe, secure home. For new Australians, renting can be overwhelming. They’re navigating a new culture, language, and system – all while trying to secure a safe home.”
Despite the prevalence of tenancy challenges, only 52% of renters who faced issues made a complaint, and just 2% escalated their case to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). Meanwhile, 39% did not pursue their concerns or abandoned the process altogether.
“It took eight months for repairs when my ceiling collapsed in the middle of the night,” said Madeline Cooper, a renter in Victoria. “Renters should not need to become experts in rental law to get basic repairs that make their homes safe and secure.
“Renters should not be scared to raise issues because of the threat of uncapped rent rises or retaliatory evictions. Minimum standards should not be aspirational, they should be actively enforced. Renters deserve safe homes and a system that backs them.”
According to the CPRC report, the top concerns for renters are regulation of rent increases, enforcement of minimum property standards, and fair financial compensation when landlords breach tenancy agreements.
“The Renter Confidence Index will benchmark and track rates of rental problems and renter confidence for the first time,” said Erin Turner, chief executive of the Consumer Policy Research Centre. “This tool is designed to help regulators and governments make the rental system stronger. This will unlock huge opportunities for renters, landlords, real estate agents and regulators.”
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