Anglicare WA: Rental Affordability Snapshot
Anglicare WA conducts the Rental Affordability Snapshot each year to develop a better understanding of how our rental market is changing and the implications for Western Australians living on low incomes.
The 2023 Snapshot highlights the lack of affordable options for low-income households, particularly for people who rely on Government benefits and, increasingly, those on the minimum wage experiencing in-work poverty. In previous years, the Snapshot included three regions: Perth Metro; South West and Great Southern; and North West including Kimberley and Pilbara. This year, the Snapshot includes two more regions: Mid West and Gascoyne; and Wheatbelt and Goldfields to cover the whole state.
Background
There were 2,912 private rentals available in WA on 17/18 March 2023. The number of available rentals declined by more than 16 per cent compared to the same time last year, even though this year’s Snapshot was expanded to two more regions. The WA median rent was $560 per week.
Key Findings for WA
The Rental Affordability Snapshot 2023 found median rents increased:
- 17 per cent in Perth metro area ($560) – up from $480 same time in 2022.
- 24 per cent in South West & Great Southern ($520) – up from $420 same time in 2022.
- 25 per cent in North West ($750) – up from $600 same time in 2022.
- Mid West & Gascoyne ($370). Unrecorded data in 2022.
- Wheatbelt & Gascoyne ($450). Unrecorded data in 2022.
Initiatives
Anglicare WA suggests a range of initiatives in the Snapshot such as:
- establishing a WA Housing Future Fund to leverage the Commonwealth Government’s new Housing Australia Future Fund to deliver a pipeline of new social housing in WA;
- increasing the rate of new builds and spot purchasing of new and diverse social homes by government and community housing providers;
- institutional and regulated landlords supplying a range of appropriate accommodation options;
- targeted rent relief subsidies or grants for the lowest-income households; and
- reforming the Residential Tenancies Act by removing the without grounds evictions; stabilising rent increases; extending legal protection to boarders and lodgers; and facilitating a quick, fair, and consistent dispute resolution between tenant and landlord.
Companion Report
On Monday, 14 August 2023 Anglicare Australia released a companion report focusing on rental affordability for essential workers.
Actions!
Share your story or show support.
- MakeRentingFairWA.org.au
- #RaiseTheRateForGood
- Everybody’s Home petition.
Further Information
Visit the Anglicare WA 2023 Rental Affordability Snapshot news page.
