Regulation of residential tenancies and impacts on investment

This research reviews the evidence-base about factors impacting and shaping rental investment; reviews the state of residential tenancies laws across Australia; and presents options for a renewed reform agenda.

The regulation of the Australian private rental sector directly affects about 40 per cent of Australian households: the 26 per cent who live in private rental housing as tenants, and the 14 per cent who own it as landlords.

Key Points

• The steady growth of the private rental sector belies its dynamism: properties and landlords are continually transferring into and out of the sector.
• Residential tenancy law reform has lacked national co-ordination, and significant differences have opened up between jurisdictions. All have lessons for, and could learn from, one another.
• The Australian, state and territory governments should establish a new national tenancy law reform agenda and continuing processes for collaboration on best practice and problem areas. The agenda should centre housing rights and reject the disinvestment threat: if landlords were to leave the sector because they cannot meet standards, it is a good outcome.

Report Links

Regulation of residential tenancies and impacts on investment here.