As rental prices soar across Australia, tenants are increasingly advocating for greater empathy and fairness from landlords and property managers. The shift towards renting as a long-term lifestyle choice has prompted calls for stronger relationships between renters and those who own rental properties.
In Southern River, Western Australia, 27-year-old Nikki, a long-term renter, has voiced her concerns about the current rental landscape. She highlights the significant burden that rising rental costs place on vulnerable groups, particularly single parents. “I know not all people are big fans of it, but I’d like to see more rent freezes or caps,” Nikki stated in an interview with Yahoo News. She pointed out that a typical three-bedroom granny flat now rents for around $780 per week, making it unaffordable for many families.
Nikki believes that protections should be implemented to safeguard renters from “greedy landlords.” She expressed a desire for more understanding and support from those who manage rental properties. Her sentiments resonate with findings from the latest Renter’s Voice survey conducted by Rent.com.au, which collected insights from over 2,600 Australian renters. Although many tenants report positive relationships with their landlords, communication issues remain a frequent source of frustration.
The survey revealed that timely repairs and responsiveness are critical components of a healthy rental experience. Delays in necessary repairs can lead to significant stress for tenants. Additionally, the demand for flexibility—such as longer leases and pet-friendly accommodations—continues to rise.
Communication Gaps Persist
Nikki shared her experience with a particularly effective property manager who consistently responded promptly to her inquiries. “He was very responsive — he never took more than a day. Most of the time, he responded within the day, within hours,” she recalled. Unfortunately, this level of service is not universal.
Sye Hughes, Chief Operating Officer of Rent.com.au, cited various factors contributing to persistent communication breakdowns. “We know that there are existing factors at play, including property manager workloads and system limits,” Hughes explained. “While agencies increasingly use portals and apps, unresolved repairs and poor responses suggest that technology alone hasn’t bridged the communication gap.”
Hughes emphasized that improving communication could enhance the overall well-being of renters. He suggested that implementing legal timeframes, minimum standards, and trusted dispute resolutions could significantly improve response times.
For Nikki, the lack of empathy in the rental market remains a crucial issue. “I’d like to see more compassion,” she said. “I understand landlords are looking out for themselves; this is their investment property, but the rest of us are just trying to get by.” She noted the challenges of renting with pets, sharing her struggle to find pet-friendly accommodations despite having three cats. “No one wants to take you. No one thinks you’ll be a good tenant.”
Shifting Attitudes Towards Renting
The Renter’s Voice survey revealed that liveability is becoming an increasingly important priority for tenants, who value location, affordability, and safety over luxury features. As a result, many renters are adjusting their expectations and settling for less than their ideal properties.
Nikki advises first-time renters to be prepared for compromise. “You have to be prepared to settle. Don’t get your expectations too high. You’re probably not going to end up in the place you want,” she cautioned. Data from Rent.com.au indicates that just over a third of Australian households currently rent, and this figure is steadily on the rise.
The landscape of renting is evolving, as many individuals consider it a long-term lifestyle choice rather than a temporary solution. “We found that people are renting for longer or have the intention to rent longer term,” Hughes said, underscoring the necessity for policymakers to establish a balanced approach to rental regulations at a national level.
As more Australians choose to rent, the call for more empathetic relationships with landlords and property managers becomes increasingly urgent. The ongoing dialogue illustrates the need for mutual understanding and support in the rental market, where both landlords and tenants must navigate the complexities of a changing housing landscape.
