A new report has exposed the unsafe and unfair realities of renting in Western Australia, where the
lack of minimum standards leaves three in five renters living with mould and bearing the cost of home
repairs themselves.
The WA Make Renting Fair Alliance (MRF) – a coalition of renters, service providers, peak housing
bodies, and community organisations – today released its latest report Out With The Mould: Setting
The Standards For WA Rental Homes.
Based on data collected from hundreds of renters between June 2022 and June 2024, the report
found:
- In their current rental, nearly three in five (56%) experienced leaks, dampness or mould
- About half had electrical/appliance problems (48%) and issues locking doors/windows (49%)
- Two in five (42%) were living in a rental infested by pests
- More than half (56%) had difficulty keeping their home cool or warm
- At least six in 10 were worried that repairs or maintenance requests could result in their lease
not being renewed (67%), a rent increase (62%), or their request being ignored (62%) - At some point in their renting history, more than three in five (63%) have paid for or completed
repairs to a rental themselves - More than half (54%) have requested repairs that were never completed.
The report comes as National Shelter’s latest Rental Affordability Index today also reveals that Perth
is now ranked as the least affordable capital city in Australia.
The Make Renting Fair Alliance report highlights how Western Australia falls behind other states and
territories in protecting renters and underscores the urgent need for robust minimum standards and
effective enforcement mechanisms.
The MRF Alliance has set out a clear list of standards that every rental should meet including a new
‘healthy homes’ standard to protect renters’ health and reduce their energy bills.
Shelter WA Chief Executive Officer Kath Snell said:
“Renters are getting an unfair deal in Western Australia – not only are many paying through the nose
in rent, the homes they’re living in are unsafe, unhealthy and inadequate. Renters are putting up with
poor living conditions out of fear that speaking will lead to eviction or an excessive rent hike.
“Western Australia ranks equal last in the country for ensuring basic rental standards that all of us
expect in our homes – from functional stovetops and window coverings to living spaces free from mould
and pests.
“We recognise the progress the WA government has been making in tenancy reforms, but an impetus
for change must be translated into swift and meaningful action. The WA government has an
opportunity to not only ensure bare minimum standards but lead the nation with a new benchmark.
“It’s time to say, ‘out with the mould’ and bring in new standards for rentals in WA. With more Western
Australians renting long-term, and even for life, it’s crucial that our rental market is sustainable and
liveable for everyone.”
Western Australian Council of Social Service Chief Executive Officer Louise Giolitto said:
“There is a distinct power imbalance between tenants and landlords, in particular, tenants with low
incomes or who are otherwise vulnerable.
“Desperation for a roof over their head can drive tenants to sign agreements for properties that are in
no condition to be lived in, but low supply issues mean tenants feel they must take what they can get.
“Implementing minimum standards goes some way to rebalancing the relationship between tenants
and landlords, and is essential to protect tenants from poor quality housing, ensures their safety and
health, and means they’re getting what they pay for.”
Anglicare WA Chief Executive Officer Mark Glasson said:
“Anglicare WA’s annual Rental Affordability Snapshot shows there are 59% fewer properties across
the state than were available at the start of the pandemic. In Perth, the median weekly rental price
has risen to $650, up 75% since April 2020.
“The report confirms what we’re seeing across our services: the housing crisis has put people under
incredible pressure just to keep any kind of roof over their heads. People are living in appalling
conditions, afraid to speak up and risk their tenancy.
“There’s no excuse for it here in WA. We are the richest state in one of the richest countries in the
world, it’s time to ensure people have access to safe, secure, and healthy homes that are affordable to
rent for people on low incomes.
“The State Government has made really positive moves to address the issue, including the first round
of Residential Tenancy Act Reforms.
“We urge the government to move onto the second phase of tenancy reform, covering areas critical to
tenant health, safety, and security, like minimum standards.”
Circle Green Community Legal Principal Lawyer Alice Pennycott said:
“Everyday we speak to renters who are living in properties that don’t meet even the most basic
standards of habitation – homes with mould, dangerous wiring, pest infestations; homes that are
freezing in winter and boiling in summer.
“Substandard rental conditions affect not only a person’s comfort – they impact their physical and
mental health, financial security, and overall sense of wellbeing. Renters are paying more and more
rent in exchange for homes that are unsafe, unclean, and poorly maintained.
“The current laws and regulations are clearly inadequate to provide acceptable standards in rental
properties, and this report provides overwhelming evidence that this is a problem impacting all types
of renters and rental homes.
“It’s time for the WA Government step up in establishing minimum standards for rental properties, to
protect renters from exploitation and unsafe living conditions, and ensure that all West Australians
can live in dignity and safety.”
Media Contact
Fraser Beattie – WACOSS
fraser@wacoss.org.au
0421 505 557