Three months on: This new report by the Housing Emergency Response Group, backed by data and case studies, shows the impact since the lifting of the rental moratorium.
The report uses data collected by the housing and homelessness sector since the end of the rental moratorium paints a worrying picture of the situation on the ground for renters.
Data and case studies, collected by the Housing Emergency Response Group over the last three months, show the devasting impact of the social affordable housing shortage on many families, with increases in rent and evictions, family and domestic violence referrals and requests for housing, support and emergency relief services.
The Housing Emergency Response group was established by CEOs from organisations providing emergency relief funding, support to renters in the private rental market, and peak bodies to identify and drive immediate solutions in partnership with government to reduce the impact and harm of the ending of the rental moratorium on the WA community.
“It has been three months since the end of the rental moratorium. Government initiatives such as the Residential Relief Grants Scheme and new investment for homelessness initiatives are important and very welcome. This report provides a picture of the ongoing issues facing individuals and families in housing stress which through partnerships with government and our sector can be addressed.”
CEO Shelter WA Michelle Mackenzie said.
“The number of people seeking assistance and advice on significant debt they now find themselves in, as a result of the rent increases seen since the moratorium lifting, is of immense concern. People feel like they have no choice to agree to paying an extra $50 or $100 a week, which has a huge impact on their family budget and leaves them in incredible stress.”
Financial Counsellors’ Association Executive Officer Melanie Every said
“Three months on and the evidence is in, and our one hope is it provides a compelling case to use the budget surplus to solve this housing shortage, and make sure services like ours are funded appropriately so they don’t draw on reserves and risk funding running out.”
Circle Green Community Legal Client and Corporate Manager Carmen Acosta said.
“Evidence is fundamental to developing and delivering good public policy outcomes. The purpose of this report is to support the evidence base to inform key decision makers of the size and depth of the housing emergency, and again extend an invitation to work collectively to address the housing shortage.”
Centrecare CEO Tony Pietropiccolo AM said.
“Unfortunately, this Report shows many individuals and families are in enormous stress. Service providers are spending an additional 15-20% of emergency relief funding intended to help with food and essential services on supporting people with rent arrears. Ensuring adequate ongoing emergency relief funding along with increased investment in social and affordable housing is critical.”
WACOSS Director of Policy Chris Twomey said. Key findings in the report include:
The Financial Counselling Network a network of fourteen service providers and local government providing assistance with debt and financial problems in the Metropolitan area have seen a significant increase in the number of clients seeking help in relation to housing insecurity, and its Emergency Relief Food Access Service (ERFAS) reported a 345% increase in the number of clients per month in one year from May 2020 to May 2021, and a more than doubling in the number of cases needing support for housing since November 2020, to 889 in May 2021.
Circle Green Community Legal has been overwhelmed with new clients presenting with tenancy issues and reported:
233% increase in the number of requests for duty lawyer services (assistance in court for tenancy issues) from six per month in October 2020 to over twenty per month in June 2021, and, including
975% increase in advice for rent increases clients from an average of 3 per month in March-June 2020, to an average of 30.75 per month in March-June 2021
173% increase in clients facing termination by lessor (up from 20 per month on average between March-June 2020 to 52 per month for March-June 2021
A significant increase in advice to clients for termination ‘without grounds’ (up from 1.3 per month on average in March-June 2020 to 16 per month in March-June 2021)
WACOSS reports that requests from emergency relief providers for support with tenancy issues have increased 100% since the start of COVID.
Red Cross report that 50% of their client caseload have been served a notice of eviction or a breach for rental arrears.
An increase in homelessness
The report found 1041 people identified as experiencing chronic homeless in May 2021, an increase of 142 in since April 2021. This includes 537 rough sleepers, an increase from 465 since April 2021.
There has been a 66% increase in people added to the Perth CBD and Fremantle By-Name list who are experiencing chronic homelessness since November 2020 (628 to 1041 people), including an additional 200 people since the moratorium lifted.
A surge in family and domestic violence
Of significant concern in the is the surge in clients presenting to our service who are impacted by family and domestic violence (FDV).
““The Financial Counselling Network, through its Emergency Relief Food Access Service (ERFAS) reported for the month of April to May 2021 a 122% increase in clients presenting impacted by FDV (40 up from 18) and a 600% increase in referrals to FDV services (21 up from 3) in the metropolitan area”. Melanie Every, Executive Officer of peak body Financial Counsellors’ Association said.
Melanie Every, Executive Officer of peak body Financial Counsellors’ Association said.
A wave of Rental Evictions and Rent Increases
Since the lifting of the rental moratorium to June 2021 there has been a spike in court applications to terminate tenancies. In April and May 2021 there were 319 termination notices issued to WA public housing tenancies, and 886 terminations issued to private renters.
Social housing
The waitlist for social housing soared since the moratorium lifted, with 563 new applicants joining the social housing waitlist since the moratorium lifted, including 274 new priority applicants.
The waitlist was 16,949 at 31 May 2021, up by 2000 applicants since August 2020, which more than half have been designated priority.
What next?
In April 2021 the HERG sent an open letter to the Premier outlining concerns about the impact of the lifting of the moratorium calling for an emergency response to the housing issues.
The HERG is calling on the state government to
Keep people in their homes, through ongoing sustained emergency relief funding for services to support people to stay in their home.
Ensure people have a home, by investing into rapid social and affordable housing solutions and investment in good interim housing options to prevent homelessness.
“The focus of our report is presenting the available data and evidence to understand the current housing issues facing Western Australians as seen by the community services sector. Our hope is that in response to this data, the government will be able to respond to the level of distress and need in the community.”
Financial Counsellors Network Executive Officer Melanie Every said.
“Our sector is keen to work in partnership with government and industry to address housing issues so nobody is left behind. We can do this through increased and sustained investment into social and affordable housing and long- term planning for cyclical social housing investment for when the construction market cools.”
Shelter CEO Michelle Mackenzie said.
“The compelling evidence in our report also makes a compelling case for using the budget surplus to solve the housing shortage.”
Director Centrecare Tony Pietropiccolo AM concluded.
Eviction Emergency – 146 tenancy hearings in three days, thousands of families facing homelessness as winter approaches – Emergency Budget needed
The Housing Emergency Response Group has released new data on the number of tenancy hearings in the Magistrates Court that is of immense concern.
Based on public data on the number of tenancy cases listed in the Magistrates Court, we can report that there have been 146 hearings in the last three days, including:
Tuesday, May 18:
31 Cases
Wednesday, May 19:
63 Cases
Thursday, May 20:
52 Cases
Among the many cases, we have heard of:
a single mother with late-stage cancer and a spinal injury facing eviction from a private rental and has been told the priority waitlist for a social home is three years.
a family of four and their pet dog sleeping in their car and using emergency relief funding to pay for their car registration to ensure they have a place to sleep.
a volunteer-run Wildlife Refuge facing closure after eviction from their property, with the animal carer facing homelessness.
Housing Emergency Response Group spokesperson Mark Glasson, CEO of Anglicare WA said:
Families are being separated. People are moving their items into storage but have nowhere to go themselves. We need an immediate emergency response to keep people in their homes or to ensure that they have a home.
Meanwhile today we learnt the WA Budget surplus is set to reach a record $5 billion. The Housing Emergency Response Group has sent an Open Letter to the Premier with pragmatic, achievable solutions that could be implemented immediately to prevent thousands of families becoming homeless this winter. This includes the spot purchases of vacant homes and using suitable government land coupled with the construction of modular homes in partnership with the community housing sector to rapidly increase housing supply.
Housing Emergency Response Group spokesperson Michelle Mackenzie, CEO of Shelter WA said:
“Western Australia’s housing crisis is rapidly escalating. Figures released this week show record evictions in April. Court records suggest that May is set to be even worse. Winter is coming, services are overwhelmed, and there is no respite in sight.”
Budget Surplus
In 2021, WA has a budget surplus set to reach $5 billion. Meanwhile, thousands of families are facing a winter without somewhere safe to shelter or a stable home for their children. Evictions are at record highs and the supply of social and affordable private rental housing is at record lows. WA is in a state of housing emergency and we need an emergency budget in response. And whilst we rapidly build, and plan for pipelines of new supply, we need to support families to stay in their homes with the surety of ongoing emergency relief funding. We need thousands of more affordable rental homes to provide a safe place for families to raise their children. Thousands of WA families are facing homelessness tonight, tomorrow and for years into the future.
Social Housing
Importantly, we need more social housing. Social housing stock has declined by more than 1000 over the past four years. There are now more than 16,000 households on the waitlist. That number has risen sharply in recent months, and we heard from one mother today, a cancer patient recovering from surgery, who has been told that she faces a three year wait even on the priority social housing waitlist. Labor governments in Victoria and federally have recently committed to major social housing stimulus builds. This is good social and economic policy that provides ongoing dividends to government. If this were a natural disaster, we would see an immediate emergency response. It’s time we use the resources at our disposal to end this crisis in 2021.
Work with Government
The Premier’s leadership and hard work during the COVID pandemic to keep Western Australians safe is strongly commended. COVID-19 showed the importance of home to keep everybody safe and well. Housing is the foundation for a safe, strong and stable society, and provides the platform for opportunity for all West Australians. The McGowan government has put some good initiatives in place such as the Residential Relief Grants Scheme, but too many people are falling between the cracks.
“This level of crisis requires a focused and dedicated emergency response. We look forward to working with government on the solutions we’ve proposed,” Ms Mackenzie said. The Housing Emergency Response Group is comprised of ten CEOs from organisations providing emergency relief funding, support to renters in the private rental market, and peak bodies formed to identify and drive immediate solutions in partnership with government to mitigate the impact and harm of the housing crisis. The Red Cross have reported
50% of their client caseload (about 150 clients) have been served notices of eviction or rental arrears. Clients are sourcing alternative short term housing options such as living in cars, utilising tents, staying on people’s floors because they have no real possibility of securing a tenancy.
Families with children and individuals with a disability living in their cars because they cannot locate or secure a property and they are seeing a cohort of individuals never impacted by insecure housing now significantly at risk of housing trauma.
Clients are demonstrating significant trauma in the current housing situation. Many are reaching a period of realisation that there are ‘no’ options. Individuals are applying for multiple properties and being unsuccessful and negotiations with current real estate or landlords are not being successful due to the length of time the arrears and or relationship breakdown has existed. There is now a real likelihood of eviction which many have never faced before.
Circle Green Community Legal are reporting:
The number of total calls has increased by 500% to approximately 200 per day, with the majority being tenancy calls.
*We are encouraging all reporters covering this issue to provide the following details in the story*Tenants who require support can contact:
Consumer Protection – for evictions and tenancy advice – 1300 304 054
Circle Green Community Legal – for all tenancy advice – 6148 3636
Between 2016/17 to 2019/20 public housing numbers declined by 1350 homes (Source: Department of Communities, 2021, see table below)
There is a shortfall of 39,200 social and 19,300 affordable homes across WA to meet current need.
The WA rental vacancy rate is at a 40-year low.
There are over 30,000 people are on the wait list for social housing (15,825 applications at April 1, 2021) – an increase of 1000 applications in the last twelve months.
The priority waitlist for social housing has increased by 46%
At May 2021, the median rent for houses is $440, an increase of 19% in the last twelve months or $70 per week. The median rent for units is $390, having increased 15% in the last twelve months or $50 per week. (Source: REIWA 6 May 2021).
CEO’s from organisations providing emergency relief funding, support to renters in the private rental market, and peak bodies have established a Housing Emergency Response group to identify and drive immediate solutions in partnership with government to mitigate the impact and harm of the housing crisis.
The Housing Emergency Response Group has released an Open Letter to the Premier today to convey their acute concern and to outline four key priorities to mitigate the impact and harm of the housing crisis on West Australians.
“This housing crisis demands a whole of government response and we are keen to work with the new McGowan Government building on initiatives put in place in response to the pandemic. The immediate priority must be supporting people to remain in their rental homes and ensuring people who have had to leave their rental home are not exiting into homelessness.”
Shelter WA CEO Michelle Mackenzie said.
Centrecare’s Entrypoint service provides assessment and referrals for people experiencing and at risk of homelessness has reported a significant surge in calls.
“We’re getting thousands of calls a month with people absolutely desperate to find a home. We cannot keep up”.
Centrecare CEO Tony Pietropiccolo said.
“Services are seeing increasing levels of distress in the community and amongst their staff, and there is an acute concern for the welfare of children and women living in a family and domestic violence situation which they cannot escape.”
Anglicare WA CEO Mark Glasson said.
”The current situation is placing an increasing number of renters and renter households, including children, at greater risk of mental ill health effects. Services also have significant concern about the ongoing mental health impact on staff as they respond to an overwhelming increase in demand and increasingly a sense of hopelessness.”
WA Association of Mental Health CEO Taryn Harvey said.
“An urgent government response is needed because services are under growing pressure to support people in crisis and find housing which is simply not there.”
WA Council of Social Service CEO Louise Giolitto said.
The Group is calling on the government to focus on four priority areas:
An emergency welfare response to the impact of the ending of the rental moratorium.
Surety of ongoing Emergency Relief funding, to keep people in their homes.
Urgent identification and provision of housing and short to medium accommodation options to ensure people who have had to leave their rental property are not exiting into homelessness. This includes spot purchases of vacant homes, using suitable government land, and rapid construction of modular homes in partnership with the community housing sector; and
A joint meeting with the Ministers for Housing, Communities, and Commerce to discuss a coordinated housing and services response during this period.
The Emergency Response Group has also compiled new data on the impact of the moratorium lifting.
One service providing tenancy and legal support is reporting:
A 483% increase in our eviction caseloadsince the moratorium ended.
From April to May 4th there were 25 hearings listed in court, and they expect this to at least double.
Another service providing private tenancy support is reporting:
50% of their client caseload (about 150 clients) have been served notices of eviction or rental arrears. They note clients in significant numbers are being evicted or terminated for a variety of reasons – rent arrears, reduced income so unaffordable, rent increase or termination of tenancies to enable rent increases, separation or FDV leading to issues in sustaining tenancies etc. FDV has been increasing across our Metro programs.
Clients are sourcing alternative short term housing options such as living in cars, utilising tents, staying on people’s floors because they have no real possibility of securing a tenancy. Many individuals are being referred to housing services when they are already close to eviction. This makes advocacy and negotiation more difficult as it is less likely to be successful.
Families with children and individuals with a disability living in their cars because they cannot locate or secure a property- the level of poverty and trauma people are experiencing is higher than ever and the ability to assist individuals to return to ‘normality’ after this period of difficulty is going to be long and challenging. We are seeing a cohort of individuals never impacted by insecure housing now significantly at risk of housing trauma.
There has been a significant increase in clients. Level of complexity is increasing, and the time spent on each call is increasing.
Clients are demonstrating significant trauma in the current housing situation. Many are reaching a period of realisation that there are ‘no’ options. Individuals are applying for multiple properties and being unsuccessful and negotiations with current real estate or landlords are not being successful due to the length of time the arrears and or relationship breakdown has existed. There is now a real likelihood of eviction which many have never faced before.
Circle Green Community Legal are reporting:
The number of total calls received by Circle Green are still approximately 200 per day, the majority are tenancy calls. We answer approximately half of these calls.
In the March/April period, we saw an increase of over 200% in advice given about terminations, compared to figures from November/December.
These figures are based on legal advice we are actually delivering, and not necessarily reflective of ‘all people attempting to access our tenancy service’ nor those people we refer.
“The Premier’s success and hard work over the COVID pandemic to keep Western Australians safe is strongly commended. COVID-19 has showed the importance of having a home to keep everybody safe and well. Housing is the foundation for a safe, strong and stable society, and a provides the platform for opportunity for all West Australians. The government has put some good initiatives in place, but the level of crisis requires a focused and dedicated emergency response. We look forward to working with government on solutions we’ve proposed today.” Ms Mackenzie said.
*We are encouraging all reporters covering this issue to provide the following details in the story*
Tenants who require support can contact:
Consumer Protection – for evictions and tenancy advice – 1300 304 054
Circle Green Community Legal – for all tenancy advice – 6148 3636
At May 2021, the median rent for houses is $440, having increase of 19% in the last twelve months or $70 per week. The median rent for units is $390, having increased 15% in the last twelve months or $50 per week. (Source: REIWA 6 May 2021).
There is a shortfall of 39,200 social and 19,300 affordable homes across WA.
The WA rental vacancy rate is at a 40-year low.
The WA rental market is unaffordable for low-income households with over 50% of WA’s renters on low incomes in rental stress.
There are over 30,000 people are on the wait list for social housing (15,825 applications at April 1, 2021) – an increase of 1000 applications in the last twelve months.
The priority waitlist for social housing has increase by 46%.
Only 119 social housing properties were built in the last three years and in the last three years the number of social homes decreased by 1155 properties.
https://www.shelterwa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/pexels-liza-summer-6382487.jpg12801920Shannon Dunnhttps://www.shelterwa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Shelter-WA-logo_Horizontal-300x70.pngShannon Dunn2021-05-05 21:51:152021-06-02 15:40:52CEO’s call for emergency response to housing crisis in Open Letter to Premier
New figures provided by peak housing and homelessness body Shelter WA, in partnership with the Western Australian Council of Social Service (WACOSS), shows the increased impact on people and frontline service providers and is deep cause for concern.
A targeted sample of service providers who deliver frontline services to people who have been or are facing eviction, or had their rent significantly increased as a result of the moratorium lifting, has been undertaken.
Survey
The survey was completed by community housing providers, homelessness services, support services and outreach, and tenancy support providers including intensive family support workers, and agencies providing emergency relief.
Regions covered included Perth metro, South West, Wheatbelt, the Midwest and Gascoyne and Peel.
When asked about the impact on their services in the month leading up to the moratorium, 100 percent reported an increase in number of calls for assistance, and 86 per cent reported an increase in the number of people they are unable to assist and have had to turn away.
Examples
This includes:
“We are now receiving over 50 calls a day for private tenancy support and another 100-150 people a day at the drop-in centre for rough sleepers.”
“Approximately 80 per cent of our daily calls are requests to see if we have available housing to which we respond that we currently do not have any vacancies.”
“So far this month we have had to turn away 70 people which is significantly more than in recent months. We believe that increase is directly related to rental increases and reduction of Job Seeker payments.”
“An increased number of people expressing concern they will soon be homeless.”
“A significant increase in members of the public calling to request access to housing through our reception team, and having to refer these on but knowing there is nowhere to go.”
“500 per cent increase in calls from 30 to 200 calls a day – we have had to put on more staff, and this is having an enormous impact on the stress and wellbeing of our staff.”
When asked for the reasons people provided for contacting services, these were:
REASON
(%)
Trouble finding an affordable rental home
100
Facing eviction
71
Increase in rental prices
100
Unable to pay bonds
43
Income not covering the basic necessities
86
Examples include
“I know a few instances of clients sleeping in rough (in cars) due to reduced Centrelink payments and the inability to secure rentals.”
“Centrelink benefits will not cover bond and rent in advance which is usually requested in a new rental. This means all of the Centrelink benefit is being used for bond leaving no money for food and other essentials. The high risk of eviction if rental arrears are not paid is of concern, and tenants can’t gain a new Department of Housing tenancy until rent arrears are fully paid.”
We just received a call from a single woman living in a car between Busselton and Bunbury – with FDV leading to insecure housing five months previously. The team are finding it very difficult to find any services to refer callers to that could support them in their immediate housing needs.
When asked if service providers are seeing any new trends,
– More people trying to access hospital emergency rooms.
– People who have never accessed housing or emergency relief are making contact and are at significant financial stress and facing homelessness.
– Single women.
– Women in violent relationships having to stay with a violent partner because they can’t afford to leave and have no rental options available so if they were to leave the relationship, they have nowhere to stay.
– New people coming to homeless centre that we’ve not seen previously.
– Increased numbers in general contacting their service is overwhelming.
– Referrals increasing and waitlists closed because they’re overwhelmed.
– More contact from families facing eviction.
– More contact from people who have never been homeless before and don’t require a supported service.
– More people accessing homeless services for tenancy support services.
– Increased levels of stress and mental health amongst people who call.
Examples include
“A single mother of five children has had a rent increase from $350 per week to $550 per week. The likelihood is that the mother and her five children are expecting to be homeless.”
“I received a phone call from a single woman with four children, one whom had a disability. They’re currently living in a caravan park due to the landlord selling her rental property. She was unable to find or even be considered for any affordable rental properties. She stated that she had to sell all of her furniture to be able to reside and afford the caravan park. She now has no money for a bond.”
“We’ve had increased enquiries on any vacancies, of which we have none. We have had people contacting us that would not meet the homelessness eligibility criteria call us, people that would normally access the general rental market. We also have had an increased number of calls for availability in Perth but don’t have any properties in Perth.”
Solutions to the rental crisis is needed now. All respondents strongly supported a suite of measures to keep people in their homes and ensure that people had a home in which to live including:
– Spot purchasing vacant dwellings in partnership with the community housing sector.
– The government immediately stops selling their housing stock and keeps them as rental homes.
– Ensuring emergency relief funding is available to support renters stay in their homes.
– Providing emergency accommodation for people who have nowhere to live.
– Reviewing eligibility criteria for the Residential Relief Grant scheme so no one in crisis is falling through the cracks.
– Auditing government owned land and buildings to identify assets suitable for affordable rental and social housing.
– Using modular housing options on vacant land to rapidly increase affordable housing supply.
– Funding to convert vacant commercial buildings to affordable rentals.
– Reforming the Residential Tenancies Act to provide more security for renters.
**We are encouraging all reporters to provide the following details in the story**
Where can Tenants get advice and support?
Department of Consumer Protection evictions and tenancy advice. 1300 30 40 54.
Circle Green Community Legal for tenancy advice. (08) 6148 3636.
Financial Counsellors’ Association of WA for financial counselling. (08) 9325 1617.
There is a shortfall of 39,200 social and 19,300 affordable homes across WA.
The WA rental vacancy rate is at a 40-year low.
The WA rental market is unaffordable for low-income households with over 50 per cent of WA’s renters on low incomes in rental stress.
There are over 30,000 people are on the wait list for social housing (15,825 applications at April 1, 2021) – an increase of 1,000 applications in the last twelve months.
The priority waitlist for social housing has increase by 46 per cent.
Only 119 social housing properties were built in the last three years and in the last three years the number of social homes decreased by 1,155 properties.
https://www.shelterwa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Untitled-design-2021-04-20T111255.312-rsss.jpg12001800Shannon Dunnhttps://www.shelterwa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Shelter-WA-logo_Horizontal-300x70.pngShannon Dunn2021-04-13 14:27:232021-11-05 10:20:46Data shows impact on people and services in the lead up to rental moratorium lifting
Findings from a national survey of renters, landlords and property managers released today is the first of its kind looking at how private rental tenancies end and the effect of the pandemic.
Shelter SA, in partnership with the National Shelter network, developed the national ‘Moving On’ survey and found a range of concerning findings.
“More than one third of national renters (38 per cent) reported the COVID pandemic impacted their tenancy.”
“More than one third of national renters (38 per cent) reported the COVID pandemic impacted their tenancy, despite the protections put in place during COVID by the WA Government,” Shelter WA CEO Michelle Mackenzie said. “The survey found unemployment and underemployment throughout the pandemic affected people’s ability to pay rent and, in some cases, landlords losing work and income and needing to move back into the property themselves.”
Existing Tenancies
“There was also an unusually large movement out of existing tenancies, with one in five survey respondents moving since the start of the emergency period,” Ms Mackenzie said. “Of these, 29 per cent moved to try and reduce their housing costs, and 23 per cent because the landlord requested it.”
The survey also looked at reasons for a tenancy ending and found 45 per cent of all tenancies were ended by landlords or property managers.
“The Moving On survey shows involuntary residential exits have more than doubled in just six years.”
“Almost half of all tenancies ending are at the request of the landlord, not the tenant. This shows the large degree of renter insecurity in the market. The Moving On survey shows involuntary residential exits have more than doubled in just six years,” Ms Mackenzie said.
The survey found the most common reason for a landlord ending a periodic agreement was ‘no reason given’ (50 per cent) followed by selling the property (36 per cent) and demolition of house (18 per cent).
Short Notice Period
“Compared with other states, WA has one of the shortest notice periods in place when it comes to evictions without grounds, with landlords being required to provide just 60 days’ notice. In other states, 90 days’ notice is required in NSW, SA, 120 days’ notice is required in Victoria, and 26 weeks is required in the ACT. In Tasmania no grounds evictions are not permitted.” Ms Mackenzie said.
The report notes financial and psychological stress is associated with the logistics of relocation and moving on from a rental contract, leaving more vulnerable households in precarious situations.
The survey also found less than half of all tenants (47 per cent) received a full bond refund. One in ten had to pay the whole bond to the landlord.
Other findings included 20 per cent of tenants surveyed had to participate in rental bidding, and nationally, two thirds of tenancies were on a short-term basis (less than two years).
Recommendations
The report makes a number of recommendations to the commonwealth and state governments including improved legislation to remove no cause evictions and better rules on the return of residential bonds that are claimed by landlords.
“With more Australians renting privately, and renting for longer periods of time, the findings of this survey are a wake-up call.
“Tenancy reform is one of twelve priorities identified by the Unlock Housing coalition of over thirty homelessness services and housing providers. It was raised at the Emergency Roundtable we co-hosted last week on the rental crisis. This report only strengthens the case for an urgent review of the Residential Tenancies Act, as well as the obvious need for a boost to affordable rental supply,” Ms Mackenzie concluded.
About the Survey
The Moving On survey opened on Tuesday, 26 May 2020 and the data for this report closed on Thursday, 4 February 2021. The survey remains open and will report annually. The survey is available here.
Advice and Support
Where can Tenants get advice and support?
Department of Consumer Protection – evictions and tenancy advice. 1300 30 40 54.
Circle Green Community Legal – for tenancy advice. (08) 6148 3636.
Financial Counsellors’ Association of WA – for financial counselling. (08) 9325 1617.
Fast Facts
About one third (30.2 per cent) of Australians are renters, with people renting for longer periods than ever before, and increasingly living in insecure tenure of poor quality.
The WA rental vacancy rate is at a 40-year low.
The WA rental market is unaffordable for low-income households with over 50% of WA’s renters on low incomes in rental stress.
Rents are predicted to surge by 20 per cent in response to the moratorium on evictions and rent increases ending.
There is a shortfall of 39,200 social and 19,300 affordable homes across WA.
Peak housing and homelessness body Shelter WA is extremely concerned about a new wave of homelessness with the ending of the moratorium on evictions and rent increases.
“In the last number of weeks, the volume of calls for assistance to services has increased by renters facing evictions or rent increases. Their stories are heartbreaking, and they are, fearful and incredibly stressed about where they will live,” said Michelle Mackenzie, CEO of Shelter WA.
“Service providers are struggling to find affordable housing options across metropolitan and regional Western Australia, and without good, viable housing alternatives service are concerned that people will have nowhere to live.”
“We need a suite of short, medium and long strategies to address the current rental crisis. Fundamentally we need government to work in partnership with our sector to ensure people are supported to stay in their homes, whilst increasing diverse social and affordable housing options over the medium and long term,” Ms Mackenzie said.
Shelter WA, in partnership with the Real Estate Institute of WA (REIWA) have convened an Emergency Roundtable this week with to hear the impact of the moratorium on landlords and renters, and to identify immediate actions to recommend to government to mitigate the impact of rental crisis on Western Australians.
Shelter WA has identified three priority areas for urgent consideration.
1. Keep people in their homes
Ensuring services have adequate funding to support renters in crisis, and providing adequate resources to the Residential Relief Grant Scheme.
2. Ensure People have a Home
Urgently audit options for emergency accommodation including government-owned buildings along with hotels and hostels.
Immediately increase supply of affordable rental by spot purchasing vacant homes, and urgently investigating government-owned land and buildings, vacant commercial buildings, and fast-build modular housing as options to deliver new supply rapidly.
Invest in new social and affordable housing supply to deliver 18,000 new homes over the next four years in partnership with the community housing sector.
3. Accelerate the review of the Residential Tenancies Act
Implement new rental laws to make renting a more secure, affordable and longer-term housing option and to make current tenancy laws fairer.
“Without a doubt the biggest issue facing WA over the next term of government is the social and affordable housing crisis and we look forward working with the new Ministers for Housing and Commerce on solutions to address this issue,” Ms Mackenzie said. “Housing is critical social infrastructure and fundamental to our State’s economic productivity and growth.”
Shelter WA has received an overwhelming number of stories from renters who are feeling powerless and scared, and CEO Michelle Mackenzie has promised to share every story they receive with the new Ministers.
Case studies shared on condition of anonymity include:
“My family of five have been renting for five years and the landlord has put the rent up 18% from $450 to $530. We feel like we are going down in flames. He has ignored so many requests for maintenance. We even had to pay $50 extra a week for him to put solar panels on the roof. It’s got very nasty with him demanding inspections without notice and turning up to walk through the property, but still won’t fix anything we show him at these random inspections. He ignores our requests because he knows we don’t have the means to go to court and we’re in a position we just can’t win. We also can’t access any residential relief because we have a small amount of savings, which seems unfair since we are trying to save for a deposit for a home.” (Northern suburbs)
“I’ve been renting the same place with my family of five for over five years. I was made redundant because of COVID and then started my own business. My partner was stood down because of COVID and we relied on JobKeeper only. We tried to negotiate a rent reduction but were unsuccessful. Our fixed term lease expired at the end of December and we were moved to a periodic lease. We had no say in this. We’ve now been given notice of eviction by 2 April. We then started looking for rentals, but the lockdown cancelled house inspections. I informed my real estate agent and they said it doesn’t matter because they’ve given the required notice. I informed them that my business was shutdown for the week as well and they said it doesn’t matter, we’re still required to pay rent. At every inspection there are queues of people. People are handing in applications at the inspections. Rentals are being leased prior to inspection times coming available, despite a requirement to inspect prior to application. I’m working 80 hours a week. My partner’s working 60 hours a week. We have three kids. Each inspection and application takes over an hour. We simply do not have time for this. They spoke with the Department of Commerce about their situation and they said that there’s nothing that I can do. “(Midland, 25-34yo)
“Due to house prices and sales in our suburb, the owner of our rental of seven years decided to sell. The property sold in 1 week, and after seven years in the same house, we had only 4 weeks to pack up and to find a new place over the Christmas holidays, with real estate offices closed for part of the time. We were lucky to find something with no time to spare, but have to pay an extra $100 per week, which is a 20% increase. We also had to find money for bond and moving, when we were still recovering from loss of job and wages due to covid.” (45-54yo, 6160)
“We are a wife & husband living in High Wycombe. I lost my job due to covid (now working two casual jobs) & partner can’t work due to an injury. We’ve had to access their super to pay rent. We’re paying 70% of income on rent and the landlord is going to increase rent after the moratorium ends. We’ve been to rental home opens with 50+ applicants for one place and people applying without seeing the property. We also wrote to the Premier about the current rental situation.”
A registered wildlife carer running a not for profit charity caring for injured wildlife has been given one month to move out so that the property can be sold. If she is not able to find accommodation that has space for the rehabilitation activities the animals will probably be euthanized. She moved into her house around 5 years ago. The house was in very poor condition when she moved in. She had to move a lot of rubbish out of the house (approx. six skip bins). When she moved in she installed an oven, air conditioner, fan and a shower. There was no power for two months.
“Our landlord has given 60 days notice to raise our rent by $50 after 31 March 21. This is the maximum he can raise it by as per our lease. We tried to negotiate a lower increase ($25) and three days later we have received an email saying that the landlord wants to move back into his property. It timing is too much of a coincidence and it seems it will be put back on the market at an even higher price because he knows he will get it with the current market.” (25-34 yo, 6060)
One respondent’s lease has ended due to the owner wanting to move back. But due to an affordable housing shortage and rent squeeze, this family of 6 now has nowhere to go.
“I spent a while on the phone with various agencies and websites as my old property tried to charge me for items I wasn’t liable for and forwarded an incredibly arrogant and rude email from the owner. The sources allowed me to cite the correct legislation and consumer affairs pages that suddenly it was all fine and never heard of again.” (25-34 yo, 6100)
“Upon hearing that my housemate and I are looking to move out, my landlord decided to advertise the property at an increased rent. He increased it by $80 per week.” (anon, 25-34, 6100)
“I’ve been looking for weeks, every application has been knocked back even with offering more rent per week or advanced payments and including a cover letter.” (18-24, 6060)
“Due to the rent freeze it also meant only urgent maintenance was required so we have not had any maintenance on the property for the past 12 months excluding the annual smoke alarm check.” (35-44, 6112)
Shelter WA commissioned polling during the election campaign that found 90% of voters support action on homelessness, social housing and affordable housing initiatives if they created new jobs, stimulated the WA economy, and improved the health and wellbeing of vulnerable West Australians.
Over the election period, the Unlock Housing coalition of over thirty service providers led by Shelter WA put forward a pragmatic four-year co-investment package to address the housing crisis.
Fast Facts
There is a shortfall of 39,200 social and 19,300 affordable homes across WA.
The residential vacancy rate is at a 40-year low, at just 0.8%.
Rents are predicted to surge by 20% when the moratorium on rent increases and evictions ends.
Over half of WA’s renters are experiencing rental stress – paying more than 30% of their income on rent.
The rental market is completely unaffordable for lower income households. The Anglicare Rental Affordability Snapshot 2020 found a single person on the Job seeker payment can afford 0% of properties in the Perth metro region). The 2020 National Shelter Rental Affordability Index found private rental properties in WA to be severely unaffordable for most people on lower incomes.
https://www.shelterwa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/shutterstock_1760702606-scaled.jpg17072560Shannon Dunnhttps://www.shelterwa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Shelter-WA-logo_Horizontal-300x70.pngShannon Dunn2021-03-26 14:14:442021-04-07 15:15:53Stretched services bracing for impact with the ending of the rental moratorium
Shelter WA congratulates new Ministers for Housing and Commerce and reappointed Minister for Community Services and looks forward to addressing urgent housing need in their first 100 days.
Peak housing and homelessness body Shelter WA welcomed the appointment of John Carey as the new Minister for Housing.
John Carey MLA
Shelter WA CEO Michelle Mackenzie said: “Shelter WA congratulates Minister Carey on his appointment, and we look forward to working closely with him”.
“We look forward to working closely with him.”
“We know Minister Carey has been a passionate champion for homelessness during his time as the Member for Perth,” Ms Mackenzie said.
“Overwhelmingly housing affordability is a key issue in the community, and we look forward to working closely with the new Minister to implement solutions that are cost effective and can be delivered rapidly in partnership with the community sector at the scale we need.”
“Minister Carey’s experience as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport and Planning, along with his Ministerial appointment for Local Government also provides a much-needed dynamic to the mix.”
Amber-Jade Sanderson MLA
Shelter WA also congratulate new Minister for Commerce Amber-Jade Sanderson and look forward to working with her on tenancy reform and making the rental market fairer and more affordable.
Simone McGurk MLA
Shelter WA also welcomes Minister McGurk’s reappointment as the Minister for Community Services with responsibility for homelessness.
“Over her previous term Minister McGurk oversaw the development of a world class Homelessness Strategy and new investment into Housing First initiatives.
“A commitment to building on these initiatives and accelerating the pace and level of investment into social and affordable housing in partnership with the community sector will not only drive jobs and economic growth but ensure that everyone has a place to call home.”
The First 100 Days
Shelter WA has identified five key priority actions that we would like the Ministers to focus on in the first hundred days, in collaboration with our sector and industry:
“These five priorities are essential to tackling the housing crisis head on.”
Urgently prepare for (and prevent) a new wave of homelessness when the moratorium on evictions and rent increases ends on March 28, by spot purchasing 2000 dwellings and ensuring funding is available to support renters stay in their homes.
Urgently audit all government owned land and buildings currently owned, leased and identified for sale, to identify assets suitable for developing affordable rental and social housing.
Commit funding to explore fast, innovative and affordable ways to deliver new affordable rentals and social housing including the use of modular homes on underutilised government land.
Commit funding to explore the conversion of vacant commercial buildings into homes; and
Set a timeline to reform the Residential Tenancies Act to provide certainty for WA renters.
“These five priorities are essential to tackling the housing crisis head on and build on the recommendations made over the election period by the Unlock Housing coalition of over thirty service providers,” Ms Mackenzie said.
During the election campaign the Government made very welcome commitments to:
$39.3 million for an Aboriginal short-stay accommodation in Perth
$6 million for on-the-ground homelessness initiatives tailored to local government area
$3.65 million to fund and expand the Street Doctor Program
A new 100-bed homelessness facility, and
$60 million boost to help prevent family and domestic violence
We look forward to working with government and our sector to support the implementation of these commitments progress these initiatives.
Shelter WA commissioned polling during the election campaign that found 90 per cent of voters support action on homelessness, social housing and affordable housing initiatives if they created new jobs, stimulated the WA economy, and improved the health and wellbeing of vulnerable West Australians.
Hon Peter Tinley AM MLA
“Shelter WA would like to thank outgoing Minister Peter Tinley AM for his work and engagement as Housing Minister.”
Key Facts:
Over 9,000 people experience homelessness every day in WA
Over 30,000 people (15,700 applicants) are on the wait list for social housing
There is a shortfall of 39,200 social and 19,300 affordable homes across WA
You can view the full list of State Government Ministry Portfolios here.
https://www.shelterwa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Parliament-West-Side-1-scaled.jpg17072560Shannon Dunnhttps://www.shelterwa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Shelter-WA-logo_Horizontal-300x70.pngShannon Dunn2021-03-18 12:52:142022-12-15 11:16:27New Ministry, welcome John Carey MLA as Minister for Housing
Shelter WA congratulates newly elected Labor Government and identifies five ways to address urgent housing need in its first 100 days.
Peak housing and homelessness body Shelter WA welcomes the opportunity to work with the newly elected Labor government on housing and homelessness issues over its next term of government .and has identified five areas of urgent need in the new government’s first hundred days.
Shelter WA CEO Michelle Mackenzie said without a doubt the biggest issue facing WA now and over the next term of government is the social and affordable housing crisis.
The McGowan Government in its previous term delivered a first-class homelessness strategy and investment for new housing first initiatives. And whilst increased investment into social housing as a COVID-19 response was welcome it did not stem the ongoing decline in social housing supply. A commitment to building on homelessness initiatives and accelerating the pace and level of investment into social and affordable housing in partnership with the community housing sector will not only drive jobs and economic growth but ensure that everyone has a place to call home.
“Housing is fundamental to economic growth and opportunity. With over 30,000 people on the social housing waitlist, over 9000 people experiencing homelessness and a chronic shortage of private rentals with thousands of renters facing eviction or rent hikes when the moratorium lifts on March 28, we need critical action now to prevent a new wave of homelessness.”
Shelter WA commissioned polling during the election campaign that found 90% of voters support action on homelessness, social housing and affordable housing initiatives if they created new jobs, stimulated the WA economy, and improved the health and wellbeing of vulnerable West Australians.
“Overwhelmingly this is a key issue in the community, and we look forward to working closely with the Premier and his government to help find solutions that are cost effective and most importantly can be delivered rapidly, at the scale we need and be responsive to market conditions.”
Over the election period, the Unlock Housing coalition of over thirty service providers led by Shelter WA put forward a pragmatic four-year co-investment package to address the housing crisis.
We have identified five key actions we’d like to work with the new Government, our sector and industry on in its first hundred days:
1. Urgently prepare for (and prevent) a new wave of homelessness when the moratorium on evictions and rent hikes ends on March 28, by spot purchasing 2000 dwellings
2. Urgently audit all government owned land and buildings currently owned, leased and identified for sale, to identify assets suitable for developing affordable rental and social housing
3. Commit funding to explore fast, innovative and affordable ways to deliver new affordable rentals and social housing including the use of modular homes on underutilised government land
4. Commit funding to explore the conversion of vacant commercial buildings into homes; and
5. Set a timeline to reform the Residential Tenancies Act to provide certainty for WA renters
“The Premier has secured a resounding election victory, much in response to the decisive action and strong leadership shown in a crisis. We need the same leadership when it comes to tackling the housing crisis and ending homelessness over his next term and look forward to working together to secure this legacy.”
Key Facts:
· Over 9,000 people experience homelessness every day in WA
· Over 30,000 people (15,700 applicants) are on the wait list for social housing
· There is a shortfall of 39,200 social and 19,300 affordable homes across WA
https://www.shelterwa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Mark-McGoawn-and-Michelle-Mackenzie-scaled-e1608271562933.jpg6871200Shannon Dunnhttps://www.shelterwa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Shelter-WA-logo_Horizontal-300x70.pngShannon Dunn2021-03-16 08:44:072021-03-16 10:06:48Shelter WA congratulates newly elected Labor Government
Housing and homelessness policies of the four key political parties have been evaluated by peak body Shelter WA today.
Using publicly announced policies and responses provided by the parties, each party was assessed against the recommendations made by the Unlock Housing coalition of more than 30 housing and homelessness service providers including Anglicare WA, Vinnies, The Salvation Army, St Pats, Nulsen Disability Services, Outcare, Co-operation Housing and Centrecare, along with peak bodies such as YACWA, the Aboriginal Health Council of WA, the Western Australian Association for Mental Health, WACOSS and the Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing.
All major parties were invited to provide details on their commitment to address twelve policy asks to end homelessness, revitalise social housing, and fix the housing system. Their responses have been summarised in a Scorecard released today.
Shelter WA CEO Michelle Mackenzie said it’s important to provide visibility over where the parties stand on housing and homelessness commitments ahead of the State Election this weekend.
Homelessness
“One in nine West Australians said homelessness is their top election issue,” Ms Mackenzie said. “Unfortunately WA Labor has only committed to one of our ten commitments to deal with this crisis.”
“The WA Liberals have at least gone some way to committing the necessary investment required to stem the critically depleted supply of social housing. Whilst their commitment of 4,600 social and affordable homes over five years in partnership with the community housing sector falls short of what is required, it is a significant improvement on the government’s current target of just 260 social homes per year. We also welcome their commitment to using government owned land for community housing,” Ms Mackenzie said.
“One in nine West Australians said homelessness is their top election issue.”
The Greens, meanwhile, ticked nearly all the boxes including, crucially, committing to at least 2,500 new social homes per year over the next term of government. The Nationals also made welcome commitments on affordable rentals and emergency accommodation in the regions.
“Overall, what our Scorecard shows is that the priority in the WA community of resolving WA’s homelessness crisis has not translated into election promises that address the systemic problem or deliver solutions at the scale needed to end the housing crisis,” Ms Mackenzie said.
Minister Denies Housing Crisis
The Election scorecard has been released the day after Housing Minister Peter Tinley AM MLA denied Western Australia is experiencing a housing crisis.
“To hear the Minster deny we’re in a housing crisis beggars belief. We’ve been working with government over the last four years and have clearly articulated the depth of the crisis, in particular for people on very low and low incomes and those who rent, as well as providing a clear pathway forward. The housing crisis is a mainstream issue and will not go away by denying it exists,” Ms Mackenzie said.
“To hear the Minster deny we’re in a housing crisis beggars belief.”
It also comes after the revelation last week that the Premier believes the impact of lifting the moratorium will not be as bad as predicted.
The Scorecard follows the release of polling commissioned by Shelter WA which found voters overwhelmingly support initiatives to end homelessness and increase affordable rental and social housing.
Community Perceptions
The results from the Homelessness Community Perceptions commissioned by Shelter WA found:
Two thirds of voters (65%) reported that the issues of homelessness will be influential in their voting intention.
Homelessness is a top four issue the community would like the State Government to focus more on.
90% of voters would support initiatives that reduce the incidence of homelessness and increase jobs.
Over one third of 18–34-year old’s (38%) stated that a lack of affordable rental housing will have a major impact on their vote.
“It’s hard to fathom why neither major party has signed up to any of these necessary and obvious interventions in a worsening crisis,” Ms Mackenzie concluded.
A full assessment of commitments announced during the election period was also tracked. View here.
Key Facts
Over 9,000 people experience homelessness every day in WA.
Over 30,000 people are on the wait list for social housing.
There is a shortfall of 39,200 social and 19,300 affordable homes across WA.
Survey Details
The polling was conducted in February 2021 by Painted Dog Research group operating in line with the international standard for market, opinion, and Social Research (ISO 20252). The sample size is n=612 with a survey error of 3.96% at the 95% level of confidence. All survey participants were over 18 years of age and include residents from the Perth metropolitan area in all upper house electorates. Raw data is available on request.
Unlock Housing Coalition
The Unlock Housing coalition of over 30 housing and homelessness service providers has put forward a suite of solutions to address the housing crisis here.
https://www.shelterwa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Untitled-design-2021-03-10T180300.967-rsss.jpg12001800Shannon Dunnhttps://www.shelterwa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Shelter-WA-logo_Horizontal-300x70.pngShannon Dunn2021-03-10 18:05:002021-03-10 18:05:00Election Scorecard – Why was housing missed on the hustings?
Peak housing and homelessness body Shelter WA has released new data today that has found homelessness, and rental stress in WA’s regions at record levels.
The Heat Map Summary report was produced by Unlock Housing, a coalition of more than 30 housing and homeless service providers.
It found regional areas account for four out of WA’s Top Ten homelessness hotspots. These are the Kimberley, in first place, the Pilbara in second place, the North West Central region in seventh place, and Kalgoorlie in fourth place.
The report also found Mandurah and Bunbury to have the second and fifth highest proportion of renters in rental stress across WA’s 59 lower house electorates.
“These figures show there’s a crisis in our regions that’s only going to worsen if the government doesn’t take action now”
Shelter WA CEO Michelle Mackenzie said today.
“We have been calling on the government to commit to working with our sector to deliver 18,000 new social and affordable rental homes over the next four years to address the current gap, along with new initiatives to support renters to say in their homes and to end homelessness. This includes spot purchasing of 2000 homes as a priority. This is critical given the current state of the rental market and a predicted wave of rent increases and evictions when the rental moratorium ends in March.” Ms Mackenzie said.
“Victoria recently committed to a record $5.3 billion social housing plan to deliver 12,000 new homes in partnership with the community housing sector. This is the kind of leadership needs to be reflected here in WA”. Ms Mackenzie said.
The report follows the release of recent polling which found voters overwhelmingly support initiatives to end homelessness and increase rental and social housing. The results from the Homelessness Community Perceptions commissioned by Shelter WA found:
two thirds of voters reported that the issues of homelessness will be influential in their voting intention
homelessness is a top four issue the community would like the State Government to focus more on
87% of voters would support initiatives that reduce the incidence of homelessness and 81% support the increase the amount of affordable rental housing in WA
“Now is the time to tackle this crisis head on. The community is strongly behind it, and the sector are united in our call for action”. Ms Mackenzie concluded.
A summary of our findings in regional lower house electorates is below.[i]
Kimberley
The rate of homelessness in the Kimberley is almost nine times higher than the WA average
The Kimberley has the highest number of people experiencing homelessness in the state.
Almost 14% of WA’s total population experiencing homelessness (estimated at 1207 people) are located in the Kimberley.
By contrast, the Perth lower house electorate has an estimated population of 464 people experiencing homelessness.
Pilbara
The rate of homeless in the Pilbara (2% of the Pilbara population) is five times higher than the WA average (0.4%)
The estimated total homeless population of 617 people accounts for a 7% of WA’s total homeless population
After the Kimberley, the Pilbara has the second largest population of homeless people in all of WA’s electoral districts
Meanwhile, a third (31%) of all residential dwellings are unoccupied (5367 homes)
Kalgoorlie
29% of WA’s total population experiencing homelessness (2584 people) live in the Mining and Pastoral region, which covers the Kimberley, Pilbara, North West Central and Kalgoorlie districts.
The rate of homelessness in Kalgoorlie (0.98% of the Kalgoorlie population) is almost three times higher than the rate in the Perth Metropolitan area (0.36%)
There are an estimated 368 people experiencing homelessness in Kalgoorlie – the 8th highest number in WA
12% renters are in rental stress (1749 out of a total 14,809 renters)
Geraldton
There are 172 people experiencing homelessness in Geraldton
32% of renters are in rental stress (3887 out of a total 12,005 renters)
18% of homeowners with a mortgage are in mortgage stress (2477 out of 13,415 mortgage owners)
Albany
There are 77 people experiencing homelessness in Albany
35% of Albany’s renters are in rental stress (3732 renters out of 10,780)
20% of owners with a mortgage are in mortgage stress (2375 out of 11,761)
The South West
Rental stress is very high in the South West (The South West Upper House seat covers Mandurah, Bunbury, Albany, Vasse, Warren-Blackwood and Murray-Wellington, and Collie-Preston districts.)
Overall, 38% of renters in the South West region are experiencing rental stress, with 28,975 lower income earners paying more than 30% of their income on rent
Homelessness is also very high in the South West region. 9% of the state’s homeless population (788 people) live in the South West. By contrast, the Perth lower house electorate has a population of 464 people experiencing homelessness.
Mandurah and Bunbury are in WA’s top ten areas for rental stress:
Mandurah ranks as the 2nd highest area for rental stress in the entire state. 46% of Mandurah’s renters (5927 out of 12947) are paying over 30% of their income on rent.
Bunbury ranks as the 5th highest area for rental stress in WA. 40% of renters in Bunbury are in rental stress 5606 out of 13,953 renters)
Key Facts:
Over 9,000 people experience homelessness every day in WA
Over 30,000 people are on the wait list for social housing
Over 70,000 renters on low incomes are in rental stress (paying over 30% of income on rent)
There is a shortfall of 39,200 social and 19,300 affordable homes across WA
Data source:
The Heat Maps report and online tool shows the level of homelessness and housing stress for each state government lower house electorate (and upper house region) based on the 2016 ABS Census of Population and Housing. This data is used as it is the last comprehensive point in time data available. Since then, services have reported many more people at risk of homelessness, and renters are facing unprecedented difficulty trying to find an affordable home.
Survey details:
The polling was conducted in February 2021 by Painted Dog Research group operating in line with the international standard for market, opinion, and Social Research (ISO 20252). The sample size is n=612 with a survey error of 3.96% at the 95% level of confidence. All survey participants were over 18 years of age and include residents from the Perth metropolitan area in all upper house electorates. Raw data is available on request.
Unlock Housing Package:
The Unlock Housing coalition represents over 25 housing and homelessness service providers and has put forward a suite of solutions to address the housing crisis, at: https://www.unlockhousing.com.au/our-solution
[i] It must be noted that the homeless data is an estimate, with the ABS acknowledging an undercount in the Census data. Services have reported seeing increased numbers of people who are experiencing homeless as a result of COVID-19.
https://www.shelterwa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/pexels-rachel-claire-4846090.jpg8531280Shannon Dunnhttps://www.shelterwa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Shelter-WA-logo_Horizontal-300x70.pngShannon Dunn2021-03-08 12:21:202022-01-12 14:53:16New report finds housing stress in WA’s regions at unprecedented levels
Happy International Women’s Day. A day to go to brekkies and lunches and celebrate the multitude of achievements of Western Australian women of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds.
We celebrate women for their life long unpaid family and community caring work. They bring so much creative, social, and intellectual capital to WA communities.
My name is Liz Lennon. I’m an older single woman who has experienced poverty, housing stress and homelessness. Let me introduce you to my tribe.
We’re invisible, silent and usually well behaved.
We’re the 50,000+ older female Western Australians living in housing stress and at risk of homelessness. 32,000 of us live in the metropolitan area.
Many of my tribe spend up to 65 per cent+ of their weekly low income on private rental and are terrified of being evicted or rent hikes. Often the homes are not fit for purpose. I can’t afford to rent so I move between living with a dear friend and housesitting. Housesitting jobs dried up during the pandemic and I know of older women living in their cars or tents or overcrowded housing.
The private rental market is currently overpriced, undersupplied and not always fit for purpose. The eviction moratorium will see older single women being evicted as landlords raise rents. We don’t have money or the time [we’re ageing] to buy a home and public housing waiting lists are so long we’d all be dead before we got off the list.
My invisible, silent and well-behaved tribe may suddenly become very visible Premier.
These older women are your mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunties, cousins, daughters, and friends.
Let me tell you a little about my tribes lives and how we’re ageing into poverty and potential homelessness. We’re not ageing well in our communities of choice.
Many of my tribe have lived conventional lives and have never been homeless. They’ve worked hard in often low paid part time jobs and are the backbone of family and community unpaid caring activities.
Did you know Premier that 60 per cent of occupation groups in Australia are dominated by one gender? And guess what? Women dominated occupation groups get paid less than male dominated ones, and many women work part time and/ or have career breaks to care for family. So, if you work in a low paid occupation and it’s part time then your wealth [cough] accumulation, savings and superannuation will be much lower than high paid full time workers.
55% of women approaching retirement age have less than $50,000 in their super balance.
From 2001 to 2026 low-income households will increase by 120 per cent, 66 per cent of them will be older women mainly living in private rental.
66% of people aged 65+ will have less than $400 a week to live on.
My tribe of older single women live on or below the poverty line and do not have safe, secure, sustainable and connected homes.
Premier, I know you care about all Western Australians and maybe because me and my tribe are kind of invisible, silent and well behaved you haven’t been brought up to speed about the size, scale and extent of this disaster.
You’ve been a leader during the COVID-19 pandemic and participated in national cabinet. You’ve fought to get resources and investment to tackle the disaster for all Western Australians.
How about you declare affordable housing and homelessness a national disaster that requires a coordinated national and state strategic planning, policy and resource approach.
Get the money and people we need here in WA, to build and repurpose safe, secure, sustainable and fit for purpose homes for my tribe and all Aussies on low to medium incomes. And have a chat with the Feds about a liveable income and to stop shaming the poor and women.
Premier, you’re not alone.
All Western Australians believe that there is a housing and homelessness crisis and they’re willing to help. The building and construction sector sees affordable and social housing as a jobs and infrastructure investment growth opportunity. The community, homelessness and community housing sector are ready and willing to partner with you and have a huge bank of skills.
I’m willing to help.
In the last few years I’ve been living and researching older single women’s housing options and created a couple of documents called Reimagining Home with older single women. They’re jam packed with information, research and great examples of social and affordable housing partnerships from around Australia and the world. Docos are on my Liz Lennon site and Shelter WA site.
Older single women on low incomes may be financially poor but we are assets in so many other ways.
Premier, if you don’t lead an innovative affordable and social housing supply revolution then tens of thousands of older single women in WA will not only continue to live in poverty, housing stress and at-risk homelessness – they will have a vastly diminished quality of life as they age.
This is no reward for their lifetime of contribution to the workforce, their families and the wider community.
This tsunami – this disaster – will not go away.
We cannot, as a society that sees itself as fair and just, let this group of Western Australians down any more than we already have.
Premier I’d like to hope that over the next four years your government places its attention, policies, and money into real investment in creating homes so that older single women on low incomes, and all West Aussies doing it tough, can feel safe and secure and age well in their communities of choice.
Where a government places its attention, policies and resources tells me what it values. I hope Mark that you and your government will value women generally and older women living in poverty specifically by ensuring they have homes so they can age well and continue to contribute to their communities.
If you lead the social and affordable housing supply revolution, then maybe I’ll have something to celebrate on International Women’s Day next year.
Best wishes
Liz Lennon, March 2021
Liz has more than 35 years of experience working with communities in Australia and Ireland as a social action thinker and researcher. Like many older single women at risk of homelessness she was blindsided by both external global events and personal life shocks. She’s not going to be silent, invisible or well behaved about the issue of older single women at risk of homelessness. Liz works in partnership with great people, organisations and sectors to give this wicked problem some creative, compassionate and sustainable solutions.
https://www.shelterwa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/liz-lennon.jpg14402560Shannon Dunnhttps://www.shelterwa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Shelter-WA-logo_Horizontal-300x70.pngShannon Dunn2021-03-08 11:15:262021-03-10 15:55:58We’re invisible, silent and usually well behaved – Happy International Women’s Day
Peak housing and homelessness body Shelter WA has called on both major parties to commit to ‘spot purchasing’ in advance of the lifting of the moratoriums on rental increases and evictions occurring in just over three weeks.
“We are urging the government and opposition to commit to spot purchasing at least 2000 homes for rent over the next four years,” Shelter CEO Michelle Mackenzie said today.
“All the signs are there for a second wave of homelessness once the moratorium on rental increases and evictions ends in March.
We have a perfect storm with house prices skyrocketing, a record low rental vacancy rate, residents returning from interstate and overseas as travel restrictions lift, and the acute shortage of social and affordable housing. Renters evicted when the moratorium lifts will simply have nowhere to live,” Ms Mackenzie said.
“At the Premier’s breakfast this week I asked how they’re planning to deal with the second wave of homelessness once the moratorium on rent hikes and evictions ends. The Premier said he doesn’t expect it will be as severe as people are predicting,” Ms Mackenzie said.
Shelter WA has written to the Premier seeking clarification on this response and asking if the government has done any modelling on the impact of the moratorium ending, and specifically the number of predicted evictions, rent increases and impact housing and homelessness service providers as a result of the moratorium ending.
“We have been calling on the government to commit to working with our sector to deliver 18,000 new social and affordable rental homes over the next four years to address the current gap. But we know new homes take time to build.
An immediate solution is to spot purchase homes– this is a sensible and prudent approach,” Ms Mackenzie said.
Spot purchasing would enable government to work with the private sector and the community housing sector to identify and purchase empty homes in existing developments. The community housing sector can manage these homes immediately increasing the supply of social and affordable housing.
This approach is supported by the tenant advocacy groups such as Circle Green, and the Financial Counsellors Association of WA, along with homeless services providers who see the devastating impact of rental stress and homelessness on individuals and families.
“This spot purchasing needs to start right now to avoid another a surge of West Australians facing homelessness.”
“In addition to new housing we also need initiatives to keep people in their homes. This includes appropriately resourcing the residential relief grant scheme to give rental surety to landlords and renters and an increase in emergency relief money to enable the sector to support people doing it tough in the rental market,” Ms Mackenzie said.
“We know from discussions with the development industry that across metropolitan Perth 1,700 newly built apartments are currently available for sale. We also need solutions for regional WA. Given we have a housing supply issue, with low record interest rates, this is a perfect time for government to purchase housing to increase social and affordable rental homes for West Australians. This must be done while we plan for the construction of new social and affordable homes.”
“These homes if managed by the community housing sector will not only increase rental supply but will lay the foundation for community housing providers to further increase the supply of new rental homes. A win – win situation,” Ms Mackenzie said.
“Victoria recently committed to a record $5.3 billion social housing plan to deliver 12,000 new homes. 20% of these will be delivered through spot purchasing. This is the kind of leadership needs to be reflected here in WA,” Ms Mackenzie said.
The call for spot purchasing follows the release of recent polling which found voters overwhelmingly support initiatives to end homelessness and increase rental and social housing.
The results from the Homelessness Community Perceptions commissioned by Shelter WA found:
two thirds of voters (65%) reported that the issues of homelessness will be influential in their voting intention
over one third of 18–34-year old’s (38%) stated that a lack of affordable rental housing will have a major impact on their vote
homelessness is a top four issue the community would like the State Government to focus more on
87% of voters would support initiatives that reduce the incidence of homelessness and 81% support the increase the amount of affordable rental housing in WA
“Now is the time to tackle this crisis head on. The community is strongly behind it, and the sector are united in our call for action,” Ms Mackenzie concluded.
Key Facts:
Over 9,000 people experience homelessness every day in WA
Over 30,000 people are on the wait list for social housing
Over 70,000 renters on low incomes are in rental stress (paying over 30% of their income on rent)
There is a shortfall of 39,200 social and 19,300 affordable homes across WA
Survey details:
The polling was conducted in February 2021 by Painted Dog Research group operating in line with the international standard for market, opinion, and Social Research (ISO 20252). The sample size is n=612 with a survey error of 3.96% at the 95% level of confidence. All survey participants were over 18 years of age and include residents from the Perth metropolitan area in all upper house electorates. Raw data is available on request.
Unlock Housing Package:
The Unlock Housing coalition represents over 25 housing and homelessness service providers and has put forward a suite of solutions to address the housing crisis, at: https://www.unlockhousing.com.au/our-solution
WA Labor’s Plan for Jobs released in advance of the state election suggests great promise for the future of the WA economy and people.
However, Labor have missed the opportunity to create new jobs through new investment into social and affordable housing, creating new opportunities for thousands of Western Australians.
Rental Crisis
“With 30,000 people on the wait list for social housing and a rental crisis looming at the end of March, housing investment is critical if we are to drive economic growth,” said Michelle Mackenzie, CEO of Shelter WA.
“Current investment in social housing will only deliver 870 properties, which does not replace the 1,155 social homes lost to our community over four years. We are going backwards.”
Shelter WA welcomed the party’s commitment to continue to invest in affordable housing options recognising that access to housing can be a barrier to staying in or moving to a regional community.
It is difficult to find or maintain a job if you can’t find a home, and it is smart to invest in the homes that people need to drive regional growth.
“Current investment in social housing will only deliver 870 properties,” said Ms Mackenzie.
Shelter WA Polling
“Whilst it’s positive to see the acknowledgment of the regional pressures, this package does nothing to address the social and affordable housing issues across the metropolitan area, including the supply of affordable rental homes for key workers,” said Ms Mackenzie.
Recent polling released by Shelter WA showed the community not only want more of a focus on housing and homelessness, but that these issues will have a strong influence on their vote this election. Nine in ten of people polled would support homelessness, social housing and affordable housing initiatives if they created new jobs, stimulated the WA economy, and/or improved the health, wellbeing and housing security of vulnerable Western Australians.
“Housing is critical infrastructure. Housing investment creates jobs, traineeships and pipelines of work. It also delivers social dividends and enduring value for the State,” said Ms Mackenzie.
“Everybody knows it is impossible to gain employment or maintain a job without a place to live. Good quality housing and housing design can improve the energy efficiency of homes, reducing carbon emissions and the cost of running a home. This is important to people on low incomes. Without an affordable place to live, economic recovery is just a pipe dream for thousands.”
The Unlock Housing campaign offers a pragmatic suite of short, medium and long-term solutions that respond to current pressures in the housing market and increases social and affordable housing supply over the next four years by harnessing new technologies, underutilised land and buildings and working in partnership with the community sector to facilitate new investment into housing supply.
“Housing is critical infrastructure”.
“Shelter WA’s Unlock Housing package will create 32,000 new jobs,” said Ms Mackenzie. “We urge all parties to adopt our package and unlock the potential of thousands of Western Australians and to keep us all safe and strong through investment into social and affordable homes.”
About Unlock Housing
Unlock Housing presents a united voice urging government to unlock the potential of all Western Australians. Shelter WA has developed the Unlock Housing campaign in partnership with the community sector, industry, and people with lived experience of homelessness with three core priorities that address the housing crises and sets us all up for a bright housing future. More information can be found at www.unlockhousing.com.au
Key Findings of the Polling:
The issues of homelessness, affordable rental housing and social housing will strongly influence around a third of voters at the WA state election.
– 65% stated the issue homelessness will be influential in their voting intention, with 39% reporting “very” or “extremely influential”.
– Just 15% of voters said the issues of homelessness was “not at all” influential.
– Younger voters are significantly most influenced by the lack of affordable housing with 38% of 18-34yos report lack of affordable rental housing will have a very or extremely influential impact on their vote.
Homelessness is among the top four issues the community would like the State Government to focus more upon.
More than one in ten Western Australians (12%) placed homelessness as their #1 issue. Only crime, cost of living, and climate change come out ahead. Housing affordability as a number one key issue was placed 7th.
Initiatives that would reduce homelessness and increase affordable rental and social housing are strongly supported.
– Over 4 in 5 would support initiatives that reduce the incidence of homelessness. (87% support) and increase the amount of affordable rental housing in WA (81%).
– Almost 3 in 4 (71%) would also support initiatives that increase the amount of social housing in WA (with only 4% strongly opposed).
Support increases even further when the economic and humanitarian benefits are highlighted. Nine in ten would support homelessness, social housing and affordable housing initiatives if they created new jobs, stimulated the WA economy, and/or improved the health, wellbeing and housing security of vulnerable Western Australians.
Key Facts:
Over 9,000 people experience homelessness every day in WA, including 1,000 people who are sleeping rough every night.
Over 420 people are known to be sleeping rough in the Perth and Fremantle regions today.
Over 4,100 people access specialist homelessness services every day.
Over 15,700 households (around 30,000 people) are on the wait list for social housing.
Net decrease of 1,155 social homes over the last four years.
There is a shortfall of 39,200 social and 19,300 affordable homes across Western Australia to meet current need.
The polling was conducted in February 2021 by Painted Dog Research group operating in line with the international standard for market, opinion and Social Research (ISO 20252). The sample size is n=612 with a survey error of 3.96% at the 95% level of confidence. All survey participants were over 18 years of age and include residents from the Perth metropolitan area in all upper house electorates.
https://www.shelterwa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Untitled-design-2021-02-25T102802.944-rsss.jpg12001800Shannon Dunnhttps://www.shelterwa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Shelter-WA-logo_Horizontal-300x70.pngShannon Dunn2021-02-25 10:29:242021-02-25 10:29:24Labor plans increase in WA jobs – missed opportunity to drive economic and social growth
The impact of rental moratorium lifting
/in Media Releases, News, Research Reports, Shelter WA ReportThree months on: This new report by the Housing Emergency Response Group, backed by data and case studies, shows the impact since the lifting of the rental moratorium.
The report uses data collected by the housing and homelessness sector since the end of the rental moratorium paints a worrying picture of the situation on the ground for renters.
Data and case studies, collected by the Housing Emergency Response Group over the last three months, show the devasting impact of the social affordable housing shortage on many families, with increases in rent and evictions, family and domestic violence referrals and requests for housing, support and emergency relief services.
The Housing Emergency Response group was established by CEOs from organisations providing emergency relief funding, support to renters in the private rental market, and peak bodies to identify and drive immediate solutions in partnership with government to reduce the impact and harm of the ending of the rental moratorium on the WA community.
CEO Shelter WA Michelle Mackenzie said.
Financial Counsellors’ Association Executive Officer Melanie Every said
Circle Green Community Legal Client and Corporate Manager Carmen Acosta said.
Centrecare CEO Tony Pietropiccolo AM said.
WACOSS Director of Policy Chris Twomey said.
Key findings in the report include:
An increase in homelessness
The report found 1041 people identified as experiencing chronic homeless in May 2021, an increase of 142 in since April 2021. This includes 537 rough sleepers, an increase from 465 since April 2021.
There has been a 66% increase in people added to the Perth CBD and Fremantle By-Name list who are experiencing chronic homelessness since November 2020 (628 to 1041 people), including an additional 200 people since the moratorium lifted.
A surge in family and domestic violence
Of significant concern in the is the surge in clients presenting to our service who are impacted by family and domestic violence (FDV).
Melanie Every, Executive Officer of peak body Financial Counsellors’ Association said.
A wave of Rental Evictions and Rent Increases
Since the lifting of the rental moratorium to June 2021 there has been a spike in court applications to terminate tenancies. In April and May 2021 there were 319 termination notices issued to WA public housing tenancies, and 886 terminations issued to private renters.
Social housing
The waitlist for social housing soared since the moratorium lifted, with 563 new applicants joining the social housing waitlist since the moratorium lifted, including 274 new priority applicants.
The waitlist was 16,949 at 31 May 2021, up by 2000 applicants since August 2020, which more than half have been designated priority.
What next?
In April 2021 the HERG sent an open letter to the Premier outlining concerns about the impact of the lifting of the moratorium calling for an emergency response to the housing issues.
The HERG is calling on the state government to
Financial Counsellors Network Executive Officer Melanie Every said.
Shelter CEO Michelle Mackenzie said.
Director Centrecare Tony Pietropiccolo AM concluded.
Download the report here.
HERG members are available for interview by contacting Chantal Caruso on 0447 201 377
Eviction Emergency – Emergency Budget needed
/in Featured News, Media Releases, NewsEviction Emergency – 146 tenancy hearings in three days, thousands of families facing homelessness as winter approaches – Emergency Budget needed
The Housing Emergency Response Group has released new data on the number of tenancy hearings in the Magistrates Court that is of immense concern.
Based on public data on the number of tenancy cases listed in the Magistrates Court, we can report that there have been 146 hearings in the last three days, including:
Among the many cases, we have heard of:
Housing Emergency Response Group spokesperson Mark Glasson, CEO of Anglicare WA said:
Families are being separated. People are moving their items into storage but have nowhere to go themselves. We need an immediate emergency response to keep people in their homes or to ensure that they have a home.
Meanwhile today we learnt the WA Budget surplus is set to reach a record $5 billion. The Housing Emergency Response Group has sent an Open Letter to the Premier with pragmatic, achievable solutions that could be implemented immediately to prevent thousands of families becoming homeless this winter. This includes the spot purchases of vacant homes and using suitable government land coupled with the construction of modular homes in partnership with the community housing sector to rapidly increase housing supply.
Housing Emergency Response Group spokesperson Michelle Mackenzie, CEO of Shelter WA said:
“Western Australia’s housing crisis is rapidly escalating. Figures released this week show record evictions in April. Court records suggest that May is set to be even worse. Winter is coming, services are overwhelmed, and there is no respite in sight.”
Budget Surplus
In 2021, WA has a budget surplus set to reach $5 billion. Meanwhile, thousands of families are facing a winter without somewhere safe to shelter or a stable home for their children. Evictions are at record highs and the supply of social and affordable private rental housing is at record lows. WA is in a state of housing emergency and we need an emergency budget in response. And whilst we rapidly build, and plan for pipelines of new supply, we need to support families to stay in their homes with the surety of ongoing emergency relief funding. We need thousands of more affordable rental homes to provide a safe place for families to raise their children. Thousands of WA families are facing homelessness tonight, tomorrow and for years into the future.
Social Housing
Importantly, we need more social housing. Social housing stock has declined by more than 1000 over the past four years. There are now more than 16,000 households on the waitlist. That number has risen sharply in recent months, and we heard from one mother today, a cancer patient recovering from surgery, who has been told that she faces a three year wait even on the priority social housing waitlist. Labor governments in Victoria and federally have recently committed to major social housing stimulus builds. This is good social and economic policy that provides ongoing dividends to government. If this were a natural disaster, we would see an immediate emergency response. It’s time we use the resources at our disposal to end this crisis in 2021.
Work with Government
The Premier’s leadership and hard work during the COVID pandemic to keep Western Australians safe is strongly commended. COVID-19 showed the importance of home to keep everybody safe and well. Housing is the foundation for a safe, strong and stable society, and provides the platform for opportunity for all West Australians. The McGowan government has put some good initiatives in place such as the Residential Relief Grants Scheme, but too many people are falling between the cracks.
“This level of crisis requires a focused and dedicated emergency response. We look forward to working with government on the solutions we’ve proposed,” Ms Mackenzie said. The Housing Emergency Response Group is comprised of ten CEOs from organisations providing emergency relief funding, support to renters in the private rental market, and peak bodies formed to identify and drive immediate solutions in partnership with government to mitigate the impact and harm of the housing crisis. The Red Cross have reported
Circle Green Community Legal are reporting:
*We are encouraging all reporters covering this issue to provide the following details in the story*Tenants who require support can contact:
Key Facts:
Media Contact Emma-Jane Morcombe | (08) 9263 2039 | emmajane.morcombe@anglicarewa.org.au
Social Housing Stock Numbers
CEO’s call for emergency response to housing crisis in Open Letter to Premier
/in Featured News, Media Releases, NewsCEO’s from organisations providing emergency relief funding, support to renters in the private rental market, and peak bodies have established a Housing Emergency Response group to identify and drive immediate solutions in partnership with government to mitigate the impact and harm of the housing crisis.
The Housing Emergency Response Group has released an Open Letter to the Premier today to convey their acute concern and to outline four key priorities to mitigate the impact and harm of the housing crisis on West Australians.
Shelter WA CEO Michelle Mackenzie said.
Centrecare’s Entrypoint service provides assessment and referrals for people experiencing and at risk of homelessness has reported a significant surge in calls.
Centrecare CEO Tony Pietropiccolo said.
Anglicare WA CEO Mark Glasson said.
WA Association of Mental Health CEO Taryn Harvey said.
WA Council of Social Service CEO Louise Giolitto said.
The Group is calling on the government to focus on four priority areas:
The Emergency Response Group has also compiled new data on the impact of the moratorium lifting.
One service providing tenancy and legal support is reporting:
Another service providing private tenancy support is reporting:
Circle Green Community Legal are reporting:
“The Premier’s success and hard work over the COVID pandemic to keep Western Australians safe is strongly commended. COVID-19 has showed the importance of having a home to keep everybody safe and well. Housing is the foundation for a safe, strong and stable society, and a provides the platform for opportunity for all West Australians. The government has put some good initiatives in place, but the level of crisis requires a focused and dedicated emergency response. We look forward to working with government on solutions we’ve proposed today.” Ms Mackenzie said.
*We are encouraging all reporters covering this issue to provide the following details in the story*
Tenants who require support can contact:
Key Facts:
Other Documents:
Media Contact
Chantal Caruso | 0447 201 377 / (08) 9325 6660 | projects@shelterwa.org.au
Data shows impact on people and services in the lead up to rental moratorium lifting
/in Featured News, Media Releases, News, Shelter WA ReportNew figures provided by peak housing and homelessness body Shelter WA, in partnership with the Western Australian Council of Social Service (WACOSS), shows the increased impact on people and frontline service providers and is deep cause for concern.
A targeted sample of service providers who deliver frontline services to people who have been or are facing eviction, or had their rent significantly increased as a result of the moratorium lifting, has been undertaken.
Survey
The survey was completed by community housing providers, homelessness services, support services and outreach, and tenancy support providers including intensive family support workers, and agencies providing emergency relief.
Regions covered included Perth metro, South West, Wheatbelt, the Midwest and Gascoyne and Peel.
When asked about the impact on their services in the month leading up to the moratorium, 100 percent reported an increase in number of calls for assistance, and 86 per cent reported an increase in the number of people they are unable to assist and have had to turn away.
Examples
This includes:
When asked for the reasons people provided for contacting services, these were:
Examples include
When asked if service providers are seeing any new trends,
– More people trying to access hospital emergency rooms.
– People who have never accessed housing or emergency relief are making contact and are at significant financial stress and facing homelessness.
– Single women.
– Women in violent relationships having to stay with a violent partner because they can’t afford to leave and have no rental options available so if they were to leave the relationship, they have nowhere to stay.
– New people coming to homeless centre that we’ve not seen previously.
– Increased numbers in general contacting their service is overwhelming.
– Referrals increasing and waitlists closed because they’re overwhelmed.
– More contact from families facing eviction.
– More contact from people who have never been homeless before and don’t require a supported service.
– More people accessing homeless services for tenancy support services.
– Increased levels of stress and mental health amongst people who call.
Examples include
Solutions to the rental crisis is needed now. All respondents strongly supported a suite of measures to keep people in their homes and ensure that people had a home in which to live including:
– Spot purchasing vacant dwellings in partnership with the community housing sector.
– The government immediately stops selling their housing stock and keeps them as rental homes.
– Ensuring emergency relief funding is available to support renters stay in their homes.
– Providing emergency accommodation for people who have nowhere to live.
– Reviewing eligibility criteria for the Residential Relief Grant scheme so no one in crisis is falling through the cracks.
– Auditing government owned land and buildings to identify assets suitable for affordable rental and social housing.
– Using modular housing options on vacant land to rapidly increase affordable housing supply.
– Funding to convert vacant commercial buildings to affordable rentals.
– Reforming the Residential Tenancies Act to provide more security for renters.
**We are encouraging all reporters to provide the following details in the story**
Where can Tenants get advice and support?
Key Facts
Access our Unlock Housing free resources here.
Media Contact
Chantal Caruso | 0447 201 377 / (08) 9325 6660 | projects@shelterwa.org.au
“Moving On” Rental survey sheds light on the rental market
/in Media Releases, NewsFindings from a national survey of renters, landlords and property managers released today is the first of its kind looking at how private rental tenancies end and the effect of the pandemic.
Shelter SA, in partnership with the National Shelter network, developed the national ‘Moving On’ survey and found a range of concerning findings.
“More than one third of national renters (38 per cent) reported the COVID pandemic impacted their tenancy, despite the protections put in place during COVID by the WA Government,” Shelter WA CEO Michelle Mackenzie said. “The survey found unemployment and underemployment throughout the pandemic affected people’s ability to pay rent and, in some cases, landlords losing work and income and needing to move back into the property themselves.”
Existing Tenancies
“There was also an unusually large movement out of existing tenancies, with one in five survey respondents moving since the start of the emergency period,” Ms Mackenzie said. “Of these, 29 per cent moved to try and reduce their housing costs, and 23 per cent because the landlord requested it.”
The survey also looked at reasons for a tenancy ending and found 45 per cent of all tenancies were ended by landlords or property managers.
“Almost half of all tenancies ending are at the request of the landlord, not the tenant. This shows the large degree of renter insecurity in the market. The Moving On survey shows involuntary residential exits have more than doubled in just six years,” Ms Mackenzie said.
The survey found the most common reason for a landlord ending a periodic agreement was ‘no reason given’ (50 per cent) followed by selling the property (36 per cent) and demolition of house (18 per cent).
Short Notice Period
“Compared with other states, WA has one of the shortest notice periods in place when it comes to evictions without grounds, with landlords being required to provide just 60 days’ notice. In other states, 90 days’ notice is required in NSW, SA, 120 days’ notice is required in Victoria, and 26 weeks is required in the ACT. In Tasmania no grounds evictions are not permitted.” Ms Mackenzie said.
The report notes financial and psychological stress is associated with the logistics of relocation and moving on from a rental contract, leaving more vulnerable households in precarious situations.
The survey also found less than half of all tenants (47 per cent) received a full bond refund. One in ten had to pay the whole bond to the landlord.
Other findings included 20 per cent of tenants surveyed had to participate in rental bidding, and nationally, two thirds of tenancies were on a short-term basis (less than two years).
Recommendations
The report makes a number of recommendations to the commonwealth and state governments including improved legislation to remove no cause evictions and better rules on the return of residential bonds that are claimed by landlords.
“With more Australians renting privately, and renting for longer periods of time, the findings of this survey are a wake-up call.
“Tenancy reform is one of twelve priorities identified by the Unlock Housing coalition of over thirty homelessness services and housing providers. It was raised at the Emergency Roundtable we co-hosted last week on the rental crisis. This report only strengthens the case for an urgent review of the Residential Tenancies Act, as well as the obvious need for a boost to affordable rental supply,” Ms Mackenzie concluded.
About the Survey
The Moving On survey opened on Tuesday, 26 May 2020 and the data for this report closed on Thursday, 4 February 2021. The survey remains open and will report annually. The survey is available here.
Advice and Support
Where can Tenants get advice and support?
Fast Facts
Media Contact
Chantal Caruso | 0447 201 377 / (08) 9325 6660 | projects@shelterwa.org.au
Stretched services bracing for impact with the ending of the rental moratorium
/in Media Releases, NewsPeak housing and homelessness body Shelter WA is extremely concerned about a new wave of homelessness with the ending of the moratorium on evictions and rent increases.
“In the last number of weeks, the volume of calls for assistance to services has increased by renters facing evictions or rent increases. Their stories are heartbreaking, and they are, fearful and incredibly stressed about where they will live,” said Michelle Mackenzie, CEO of Shelter WA.
“We need a suite of short, medium and long strategies to address the current rental crisis. Fundamentally we need government to work in partnership with our sector to ensure people are supported to stay in their homes, whilst increasing diverse social and affordable housing options over the medium and long term,” Ms Mackenzie said.
Shelter WA, in partnership with the Real Estate Institute of WA (REIWA) have convened an Emergency Roundtable this week with to hear the impact of the moratorium on landlords and renters, and to identify immediate actions to recommend to government to mitigate the impact of rental crisis on Western Australians.
Shelter WA has identified three priority areas for urgent consideration.
1. Keep people in their homes
Ensuring services have adequate funding to support renters in crisis, and providing adequate resources to the Residential Relief Grant Scheme.
2. Ensure People have a Home
Urgently audit options for emergency accommodation including government-owned buildings along with hotels and hostels.
Immediately increase supply of affordable rental by spot purchasing vacant homes, and urgently investigating government-owned land and buildings, vacant commercial buildings, and fast-build modular housing as options to deliver new supply rapidly.
Invest in new social and affordable housing supply to deliver 18,000 new homes over the next four years in partnership with the community housing sector.
3. Accelerate the review of the Residential Tenancies Act
Implement new rental laws to make renting a more secure, affordable and longer-term housing option and to make current tenancy laws fairer.
“Without a doubt the biggest issue facing WA over the next term of government is the social and affordable housing crisis and we look forward working with the new Ministers for Housing and Commerce on solutions to address this issue,” Ms Mackenzie said. “Housing is critical social infrastructure and fundamental to our State’s economic productivity and growth.”
Case studies shared on condition of anonymity include:
Shelter WA commissioned polling during the election campaign that found 90% of voters support action on homelessness, social housing and affordable housing initiatives if they created new jobs, stimulated the WA economy, and improved the health and wellbeing of vulnerable West Australians.
Over the election period, the Unlock Housing coalition of over thirty service providers led by Shelter WA put forward a pragmatic four-year co-investment package to address the housing crisis.
Fast Facts
Media Contact
Chantal Caruso | 0447 201 377 / (08) 9325 6660 | projects@shelterwa.org.au
New Ministry, welcome John Carey MLA as Minister for Housing
/in Media Releases, NewsShelter WA congratulates new Ministers for Housing and Commerce and reappointed Minister for Community Services and looks forward to addressing urgent housing need in their first 100 days.
Peak housing and homelessness body Shelter WA welcomed the appointment of John Carey as the new Minister for Housing.
John Carey MLA
Shelter WA CEO Michelle Mackenzie said: “Shelter WA congratulates Minister Carey on his appointment, and we look forward to working closely with him”.
“We know Minister Carey has been a passionate champion for homelessness during his time as the Member for Perth,” Ms Mackenzie said.
“Overwhelmingly housing affordability is a key issue in the community, and we look forward to working closely with the new Minister to implement solutions that are cost effective and can be delivered rapidly in partnership with the community sector at the scale we need.”
“Minister Carey’s experience as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport and Planning, along with his Ministerial appointment for Local Government also provides a much-needed dynamic to the mix.”
Amber-Jade Sanderson MLA
Shelter WA also congratulate new Minister for Commerce Amber-Jade Sanderson and look forward to working with her on tenancy reform and making the rental market fairer and more affordable.
Simone McGurk MLA
Shelter WA also welcomes Minister McGurk’s reappointment as the Minister for Community Services with responsibility for homelessness.
“Over her previous term Minister McGurk oversaw the development of a world class Homelessness Strategy and new investment into Housing First initiatives.
“A commitment to building on these initiatives and accelerating the pace and level of investment into social and affordable housing in partnership with the community sector will not only drive jobs and economic growth but ensure that everyone has a place to call home.”
The First 100 Days
Shelter WA has identified five key priority actions that we would like the Ministers to focus on in the first hundred days, in collaboration with our sector and industry:
“These five priorities are essential to tackling the housing crisis head on and build on the recommendations made over the election period by the Unlock Housing coalition of over thirty service providers,” Ms Mackenzie said.
During the election campaign the Government made very welcome commitments to:
We look forward to working with government and our sector to support the implementation of these commitments progress these initiatives.
Shelter WA commissioned polling during the election campaign that found 90 per cent of voters support action on homelessness, social housing and affordable housing initiatives if they created new jobs, stimulated the WA economy, and improved the health and wellbeing of vulnerable West Australians.
Hon Peter Tinley AM MLA
“Shelter WA would like to thank outgoing Minister Peter Tinley AM for his work and engagement as Housing Minister.”
Key Facts:
Media Contact
Chantal Caruso | 0447 201 377 / (08) 9325 6660 | projects@shelterwa.org.au
You can view the full list of State Government Ministry Portfolios here.
Shelter WA congratulates newly elected Labor Government
/in Featured News, Media Releases, NewsShelter WA congratulates newly elected Labor Government and identifies five ways to address urgent housing need in its first 100 days.
Peak housing and homelessness body Shelter WA welcomes the opportunity to work with the newly elected Labor government on housing and homelessness issues over its next term of government .and has identified five areas of urgent need in the new government’s first hundred days.
Shelter WA CEO Michelle Mackenzie said without a doubt the biggest issue facing WA now and over the next term of government is the social and affordable housing crisis.
The McGowan Government in its previous term delivered a first-class homelessness strategy and investment for new housing first initiatives. And whilst increased investment into social housing as a COVID-19 response was welcome it did not stem the ongoing decline in social housing supply. A commitment to building on homelessness initiatives and accelerating the pace and level of investment into social and affordable housing in partnership with the community housing sector will not only drive jobs and economic growth but ensure that everyone has a place to call home.
“Housing is fundamental to economic growth and opportunity. With over 30,000 people on the social housing waitlist, over 9000 people experiencing homelessness and a chronic shortage of private rentals with thousands of renters facing eviction or rent hikes when the moratorium lifts on March 28, we need critical action now to prevent a new wave of homelessness.”
Shelter WA commissioned polling during the election campaign that found 90% of voters support action on homelessness, social housing and affordable housing initiatives if they created new jobs, stimulated the WA economy, and improved the health and wellbeing of vulnerable West Australians.
“Overwhelmingly this is a key issue in the community, and we look forward to working closely with the Premier and his government to help find solutions that are cost effective and most importantly can be delivered rapidly, at the scale we need and be responsive to market conditions.”
Over the election period, the Unlock Housing coalition of over thirty service providers led by Shelter WA put forward a pragmatic four-year co-investment package to address the housing crisis.
We have identified five key actions we’d like to work with the new Government, our sector and industry on in its first hundred days:
1. Urgently prepare for (and prevent) a new wave of homelessness when the moratorium on evictions and rent hikes ends on March 28, by spot purchasing 2000 dwellings
2. Urgently audit all government owned land and buildings currently owned, leased and identified for sale, to identify assets suitable for developing affordable rental and social housing
3. Commit funding to explore fast, innovative and affordable ways to deliver new affordable rentals and social housing including the use of modular homes on underutilised government land
4. Commit funding to explore the conversion of vacant commercial buildings into homes; and
5. Set a timeline to reform the Residential Tenancies Act to provide certainty for WA renters
“The Premier has secured a resounding election victory, much in response to the decisive action and strong leadership shown in a crisis. We need the same leadership when it comes to tackling the housing crisis and ending homelessness over his next term and look forward to working together to secure this legacy.”
Key Facts:
· Over 9,000 people experience homelessness every day in WA
· Over 30,000 people (15,700 applicants) are on the wait list for social housing
· There is a shortfall of 39,200 social and 19,300 affordable homes across WA
Media Contact
Chantal Caruso | 0447 201 377 / (08) 9325 6660 | projects@shelterwa.org.au
Election Scorecard – Why was housing missed on the hustings?
/in Media Releases, NewsHousing and homelessness policies of the four key political parties have been evaluated by peak body Shelter WA today.
Using publicly announced policies and responses provided by the parties, each party was assessed against the recommendations made by the Unlock Housing coalition of more than 30 housing and homelessness service providers including Anglicare WA, Vinnies, The Salvation Army, St Pats, Nulsen Disability Services, Outcare, Co-operation Housing and Centrecare, along with peak bodies such as YACWA, the Aboriginal Health Council of WA, the Western Australian Association for Mental Health, WACOSS and the Centre for Women’s Safety and Wellbeing.
All major parties were invited to provide details on their commitment to address twelve policy asks to end homelessness, revitalise social housing, and fix the housing system. Their responses have been summarised in a Scorecard released today.
Shelter WA CEO Michelle Mackenzie said it’s important to provide visibility over where the parties stand on housing and homelessness commitments ahead of the State Election this weekend.
Homelessness
“One in nine West Australians said homelessness is their top election issue,” Ms Mackenzie said. “Unfortunately WA Labor has only committed to one of our ten commitments to deal with this crisis.”
“The WA Liberals have at least gone some way to committing the necessary investment required to stem the critically depleted supply of social housing. Whilst their commitment of 4,600 social and affordable homes over five years in partnership with the community housing sector falls short of what is required, it is a significant improvement on the government’s current target of just 260 social homes per year. We also welcome their commitment to using government owned land for community housing,” Ms Mackenzie said.
The Greens, meanwhile, ticked nearly all the boxes including, crucially, committing to at least 2,500 new social homes per year over the next term of government. The Nationals also made welcome commitments on affordable rentals and emergency accommodation in the regions.
“Overall, what our Scorecard shows is that the priority in the WA community of resolving WA’s homelessness crisis has not translated into election promises that address the systemic problem or deliver solutions at the scale needed to end the housing crisis,” Ms Mackenzie said.
Minister Denies Housing Crisis
The Election scorecard has been released the day after Housing Minister Peter Tinley AM MLA denied Western Australia is experiencing a housing crisis.
“To hear the Minster deny we’re in a housing crisis beggars belief. We’ve been working with government over the last four years and have clearly articulated the depth of the crisis, in particular for people on very low and low incomes and those who rent, as well as providing a clear pathway forward. The housing crisis is a mainstream issue and will not go away by denying it exists,” Ms Mackenzie said.
It also comes after the revelation last week that the Premier believes the impact of lifting the moratorium will not be as bad as predicted.
The Scorecard follows the release of polling commissioned by Shelter WA which found voters overwhelmingly support initiatives to end homelessness and increase affordable rental and social housing.
Community Perceptions
The results from the Homelessness Community Perceptions commissioned by Shelter WA found:
“It’s hard to fathom why neither major party has signed up to any of these necessary and obvious interventions in a worsening crisis,” Ms Mackenzie concluded.
A full assessment of commitments announced during the election period was also tracked. View here.
Key Facts
Survey Details
The polling was conducted in February 2021 by Painted Dog Research group operating in line with the international standard for market, opinion, and Social Research (ISO 20252). The sample size is n=612 with a survey error of 3.96% at the 95% level of confidence. All survey participants were over 18 years of age and include residents from the Perth metropolitan area in all upper house electorates. Raw data is available on request.
Unlock Housing Coalition
The Unlock Housing coalition of over 30 housing and homelessness service providers has put forward a suite of solutions to address the housing crisis here.
Media Contact
Chantal Caruso | 0447 201 377 / (08) 9325 6660 | projects@shelterwa.org.au
New report finds housing stress in WA’s regions at unprecedented levels
/in Media Releases, News, Shelter WA ReportPeak housing and homelessness body Shelter WA has released new data today that has found homelessness, and rental stress in WA’s regions at record levels.
The Heat Map Summary report was produced by Unlock Housing, a coalition of more than 30 housing and homeless service providers.
It found regional areas account for four out of WA’s Top Ten homelessness hotspots. These are the Kimberley, in first place, the Pilbara in second place, the North West Central region in seventh place, and Kalgoorlie in fourth place.
The report also found Mandurah and Bunbury to have the second and fifth highest proportion of renters in rental stress across WA’s 59 lower house electorates.
“We have been calling on the government to commit to working with our sector to deliver 18,000 new social and affordable rental homes over the next four years to address the current gap, along with new initiatives to support renters to say in their homes and to end homelessness. This includes spot purchasing of 2000 homes as a priority. This is critical given the current state of the rental market and a predicted wave of rent increases and evictions when the rental moratorium ends in March.” Ms Mackenzie said.
“Victoria recently committed to a record $5.3 billion social housing plan to deliver 12,000 new homes in partnership with the community housing sector. This is the kind of leadership needs to be reflected here in WA”. Ms Mackenzie said.
The report follows the release of recent polling which found voters overwhelmingly support initiatives to end homelessness and increase rental and social housing. The results from the Homelessness Community Perceptions commissioned by Shelter WA found:
“Now is the time to tackle this crisis head on. The community is strongly behind it, and the sector are united in our call for action”. Ms Mackenzie concluded.
The Heatmaps tool can be found at https://www.unlockhousing.com.au/heatmaps/
A summary of our findings in regional lower house electorates is below.[i]
Kimberley
Pilbara
Kalgoorlie
Geraldton
Albany
The South West
Key Facts:
Data source:
The Heat Maps report and online tool shows the level of homelessness and housing stress for each state government lower house electorate (and upper house region) based on the 2016 ABS Census of Population and Housing. This data is used as it is the last comprehensive point in time data available. Since then, services have reported many more people at risk of homelessness, and renters are facing unprecedented difficulty trying to find an affordable home.
Survey details:
The polling was conducted in February 2021 by Painted Dog Research group operating in line with the international standard for market, opinion, and Social Research (ISO 20252). The sample size is n=612 with a survey error of 3.96% at the 95% level of confidence. All survey participants were over 18 years of age and include residents from the Perth metropolitan area in all upper house electorates. Raw data is available on request.
Unlock Housing Package:
The Unlock Housing coalition represents over 25 housing and homelessness service providers and has put forward a suite of solutions to address the housing crisis, at: https://www.unlockhousing.com.au/our-solution
[i] It must be noted that the homeless data is an estimate, with the ABS acknowledging an undercount in the Census data. Services have reported seeing increased numbers of people who are experiencing homeless as a result of COVID-19.
We’re invisible, silent and usually well behaved – Happy International Women’s Day
/in Media Releases, NewsDear Premier
Happy International Women’s Day. A day to go to brekkies and lunches and celebrate the multitude of achievements of Western Australian women of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds.
We celebrate women for their life long unpaid family and community caring work. They bring so much creative, social, and intellectual capital to WA communities.
My name is Liz Lennon. I’m an older single woman who has experienced poverty, housing stress and homelessness. Let me introduce you to my tribe.
We’re the 50,000+ older female Western Australians living in housing stress and at risk of homelessness. 32,000 of us live in the metropolitan area.
Many of my tribe spend up to 65 per cent+ of their weekly low income on private rental and are terrified of being evicted or rent hikes. Often the homes are not fit for purpose. I can’t afford to rent so I move between living with a dear friend and housesitting. Housesitting jobs dried up during the pandemic and I know of older women living in their cars or tents or overcrowded housing.
The private rental market is currently overpriced, undersupplied and not always fit for purpose. The eviction moratorium will see older single women being evicted as landlords raise rents. We don’t have money or the time [we’re ageing] to buy a home and public housing waiting lists are so long we’d all be dead before we got off the list.
My invisible, silent and well-behaved tribe may suddenly become very visible Premier.
These older women are your mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunties, cousins, daughters, and friends.
Many of my tribe have lived conventional lives and have never been homeless. They’ve worked hard in often low paid part time jobs and are the backbone of family and community unpaid caring activities.
Did you know Premier that 60 per cent of occupation groups in Australia are dominated by one gender? And guess what? Women dominated occupation groups get paid less than male dominated ones, and many women work part time and/ or have career breaks to care for family. So, if you work in a low paid occupation and it’s part time then your wealth [cough] accumulation, savings and superannuation will be much lower than high paid full time workers.
55% of women approaching retirement age have less than $50,000 in their super balance.
From 2001 to 2026 low-income households will increase by 120 per cent, 66 per cent of them will be older women mainly living in private rental.
My tribe of older single women live on or below the poverty line and do not have safe, secure, sustainable and connected homes.
Premier, I know you care about all Western Australians and maybe because me and my tribe are kind of invisible, silent and well behaved you haven’t been brought up to speed about the size, scale and extent of this disaster.
You’ve been a leader during the COVID-19 pandemic and participated in national cabinet. You’ve fought to get resources and investment to tackle the disaster for all Western Australians.
Get the money and people we need here in WA, to build and repurpose safe, secure, sustainable and fit for purpose homes for my tribe and all Aussies on low to medium incomes. And have a chat with the Feds about a liveable income and to stop shaming the poor and women.
Premier, you’re not alone.
All Western Australians believe that there is a housing and homelessness crisis and they’re willing to help. The building and construction sector sees affordable and social housing as a jobs and infrastructure investment growth opportunity. The community, homelessness and community housing sector are ready and willing to partner with you and have a huge bank of skills.
I’m willing to help.
In the last few years I’ve been living and researching older single women’s housing options and created a couple of documents called Reimagining Home with older single women. They’re jam packed with information, research and great examples of social and affordable housing partnerships from around Australia and the world. Docos are on my Liz Lennon site and Shelter WA site.
Premier, if you don’t lead an innovative affordable and social housing supply revolution then tens of thousands of older single women in WA will not only continue to live in poverty, housing stress and at-risk homelessness – they will have a vastly diminished quality of life as they age.
This is no reward for their lifetime of contribution to the workforce, their families and the wider community.
This tsunami – this disaster – will not go away.
Premier I’d like to hope that over the next four years your government places its attention, policies, and money into real investment in creating homes so that older single women on low incomes, and all West Aussies doing it tough, can feel safe and secure and age well in their communities of choice.
Where a government places its attention, policies and resources tells me what it values. I hope Mark that you and your government will value women generally and older women living in poverty specifically by ensuring they have homes so they can age well and continue to contribute to their communities.
If you lead the social and affordable housing supply revolution, then maybe I’ll have something to celebrate on International Women’s Day next year.
Best wishes
Liz Lennon, March 2021
Liz has more than 35 years of experience working with communities in Australia and Ireland as a social action thinker and researcher. Like many older single women at risk of homelessness she was blindsided by both external global events and personal life shocks. She’s not going to be silent, invisible or well behaved about the issue of older single women at risk of homelessness. Liz works in partnership with great people, organisations and sectors to give this wicked problem some creative, compassionate and sustainable solutions.
Her bio is here.
Spot purchasing urged as solution to “homelessness tsunami” expected when eviction moratorium lifts
/in Media Releases, NewsPeak housing and homelessness body Shelter WA has called on both major parties to commit to ‘spot purchasing’ in advance of the lifting of the moratoriums on rental increases and evictions occurring in just over three weeks.
“We are urging the government and opposition to commit to spot purchasing at least 2000 homes for rent over the next four years,” Shelter CEO Michelle Mackenzie said today.
We have a perfect storm with house prices skyrocketing, a record low rental vacancy rate, residents returning from interstate and overseas as travel restrictions lift, and the acute shortage of social and affordable housing. Renters evicted when the moratorium lifts will simply have nowhere to live,” Ms Mackenzie said.
“At the Premier’s breakfast this week I asked how they’re planning to deal with the second wave of homelessness once the moratorium on rent hikes and evictions ends. The Premier said he doesn’t expect it will be as severe as people are predicting,” Ms Mackenzie said.
Shelter WA has written to the Premier seeking clarification on this response and asking if the government has done any modelling on the impact of the moratorium ending, and specifically the number of predicted evictions, rent increases and impact housing and homelessness service providers as a result of the moratorium ending.
“We have been calling on the government to commit to working with our sector to deliver 18,000 new social and affordable rental homes over the next four years to address the current gap. But we know new homes take time to build.
Spot purchasing would enable government to work with the private sector and the community housing sector to identify and purchase empty homes in existing developments. The community housing sector can manage these homes immediately increasing the supply of social and affordable housing.
This approach is supported by the tenant advocacy groups such as Circle Green, and the Financial Counsellors Association of WA, along with homeless services providers who see the devastating impact of rental stress and homelessness on individuals and families.
“In addition to new housing we also need initiatives to keep people in their homes. This includes appropriately resourcing the residential relief grant scheme to give rental surety to landlords and renters and an increase in emergency relief money to enable the sector to support people doing it tough in the rental market,” Ms Mackenzie said.
“We know from discussions with the development industry that across metropolitan Perth 1,700 newly built apartments are currently available for sale. We also need solutions for regional WA. Given we have a housing supply issue, with low record interest rates, this is a perfect time for government to purchase housing to increase social and affordable rental homes for West Australians. This must be done while we plan for the construction of new social and affordable homes.”
“These homes if managed by the community housing sector will not only increase rental supply but will lay the foundation for community housing providers to further increase the supply of new rental homes. A win – win situation,” Ms Mackenzie said.
“Victoria recently committed to a record $5.3 billion social housing plan to deliver 12,000 new homes. 20% of these will be delivered through spot purchasing. This is the kind of leadership needs to be reflected here in WA,” Ms Mackenzie said.
The call for spot purchasing follows the release of recent polling which found voters overwhelmingly support initiatives to end homelessness and increase rental and social housing.
The results from the Homelessness Community Perceptions commissioned by Shelter WA found:
“Now is the time to tackle this crisis head on. The community is strongly behind it, and the sector are united in our call for action,” Ms Mackenzie concluded.
Key Facts:
Survey details:
The polling was conducted in February 2021 by Painted Dog Research group operating in line with the international standard for market, opinion, and Social Research (ISO 20252). The sample size is n=612 with a survey error of 3.96% at the 95% level of confidence. All survey participants were over 18 years of age and include residents from the Perth metropolitan area in all upper house electorates. Raw data is available on request.
Unlock Housing Package:
The Unlock Housing coalition represents over 25 housing and homelessness service providers and has put forward a suite of solutions to address the housing crisis, at: https://www.unlockhousing.com.au/our-solution
Media Contact
Chantal Caruso | 0447 201 377 / (08) 9325 6660 | projects@shelterwa.org.au
Labor plans increase in WA jobs – missed opportunity to drive economic and social growth
/in Media Releases, NewsWA Labor’s Plan for Jobs released in advance of the state election suggests great promise for the future of the WA economy and people.
However, Labor have missed the opportunity to create new jobs through new investment into social and affordable housing, creating new opportunities for thousands of Western Australians.
Rental Crisis
“With 30,000 people on the wait list for social housing and a rental crisis looming at the end of March, housing investment is critical if we are to drive economic growth,” said Michelle Mackenzie, CEO of Shelter WA.
“Current investment in social housing will only deliver 870 properties, which does not replace the 1,155 social homes lost to our community over four years. We are going backwards.”
Shelter WA welcomed the party’s commitment to continue to invest in affordable housing options recognising that access to housing can be a barrier to staying in or moving to a regional community.
It is difficult to find or maintain a job if you can’t find a home, and it is smart to invest in the homes that people need to drive regional growth.
Shelter WA Polling
“Whilst it’s positive to see the acknowledgment of the regional pressures, this package does nothing to address the social and affordable housing issues across the metropolitan area, including the supply of affordable rental homes for key workers,” said Ms Mackenzie.
Recent polling released by Shelter WA showed the community not only want more of a focus on housing and homelessness, but that these issues will have a strong influence on their vote this election. Nine in ten of people polled would support homelessness, social housing and affordable housing initiatives if they created new jobs, stimulated the WA economy, and/or improved the health, wellbeing and housing security of vulnerable Western Australians.
“Housing is critical infrastructure. Housing investment creates jobs, traineeships and pipelines of work. It also delivers social dividends and enduring value for the State,” said Ms Mackenzie.
“Everybody knows it is impossible to gain employment or maintain a job without a place to live. Good quality housing and housing design can improve the energy efficiency of homes, reducing carbon emissions and the cost of running a home. This is important to people on low incomes. Without an affordable place to live, economic recovery is just a pipe dream for thousands.”
The Unlock Housing campaign offers a pragmatic suite of short, medium and long-term solutions that respond to current pressures in the housing market and increases social and affordable housing supply over the next four years by harnessing new technologies, underutilised land and buildings and working in partnership with the community sector to facilitate new investment into housing supply.
“Shelter WA’s Unlock Housing package will create 32,000 new jobs,” said Ms Mackenzie. “We urge all parties to adopt our package and unlock the potential of thousands of Western Australians and to keep us all safe and strong through investment into social and affordable homes.”
About Unlock Housing
Unlock Housing presents a united voice urging government to unlock the potential of all Western Australians. Shelter WA has developed the Unlock Housing campaign in partnership with the community sector, industry, and people with lived experience of homelessness with three core priorities that address the housing crises and sets us all up for a bright housing future. More information can be found at www.unlockhousing.com.au
Key Findings of the Polling:
– 65% stated the issue homelessness will be influential in their voting intention, with 39% reporting “very” or “extremely influential”.
– Just 15% of voters said the issues of homelessness was “not at all” influential.
– Younger voters are significantly most influenced by the lack of affordable housing with 38% of 18-34yos report lack of affordable rental housing will have a very or extremely influential impact on their vote.
– Over 4 in 5 would support initiatives that reduce the incidence of homelessness. (87% support) and increase the amount of affordable rental housing in WA (81%).
– Almost 3 in 4 (71%) would also support initiatives that increase the amount of social housing in WA (with only 4% strongly opposed).
Key Facts:
View the Summary Document here.
Survey details:
The polling was conducted in February 2021 by Painted Dog Research group operating in line with the international standard for market, opinion and Social Research (ISO 20252). The sample size is n=612 with a survey error of 3.96% at the 95% level of confidence. All survey participants were over 18 years of age and include residents from the Perth metropolitan area in all upper house electorates.
Media Contacts
Karys Nella, Communications Consultant 0497 456 264 karys@infusedcomms.com.au
Michelle Mackenzie, CEO Shelter WA 0419 931 819 ceo@shelterwa.org.au