Renting and Insecurity

Light regulation of the PRS means that private renters on short fixed term leases or periodic tenancies can be required to leave their home at short notice, typically when the property is being sold or if the landlord or their family wants to live in the property. In most Australian states they can also be given notice to leave without any stated grounds. The law also allows for regular increases in rents to “market levels” without any cap on the increase. Landlord freedoms to end tenancies and/or raise rent can make continued tenancy difficult or impossible. The chapter investigates tenants’ experiences of insecurity in their housing situation as legal insecurity does not necessarily translate into de facto insecurity. It also examines perceptions of insecurity which can differ markedly. The chapter finds that while private renters develop some strategies to adapt to their situation on a daily basis such that insecurity is often only “at the back of the mind”, all perceive lack of control over their housing futures. The capacity of low-income tenants to deal with a rent increase or notice to vacate is often very different to the capacity of medium and higher income tenants.