A new survey has revealed overwhelming support for banning no-grounds evictions in Western Australia, with 80 per cent of respondents backing the move, including 72 per cent of landlords. The findings come just days before the state budget, which Treasurer Rita Saffioti has promised will prioritise housing.
The poll, conducted by Painted Dog and commissioned by Shelter WA, surveyed 761 people, including 130 property investors. It found that 60 per cent of renters are experiencing rent stress, paying more than 30 per cent of their income on rent, while 24 per cent reported that more than half of their weekly pay goes to rent.
Le, a Guildford resident who asked to remain anonymous, shared her personal story of being forced to move in with her 94-year-old grandmother after receiving a no-grounds termination notice. She had been offered a new lease with a $50 rent increase but received a termination notice a week after questioning a clause that would exclude her from the property during inspections. She had already allowed about 10 inspections.
"When renters try and stand up for themselves, they are afraid," Le said. "They know that there's the no grounds eviction that could come for them. And my case is an example of when that was exactly used."
Her rent had increased from $300 to $500 per week over four years for the same two-bedroom unit in Embleton. Despite working full time, she struggled to make ends meet. "I earned a good wage and it was still really difficult," she said. "It was not embarrassing, but it does feel a bit like I should have my life together, more than having to move back in with my nan when I'm in my mid-thirties."
The survey also found a significant increase in the number of people who reported a friend or relative experiencing homelessness in the past year, rising to 28 per cent from 19 per cent four years ago.
However, the property sector remains cautious about further rental reform. The Real Estate Institute of WA's own surveys indicate that 74 per cent of investors would consider selling if no-grounds terminations are outlawed. REIWA vice-president Rob Mandanici argued that stamp duty reform would be more effective. "Everything's got to be linked back to supply," he said. "The hopes there are anything that can link stamp duty thresholds back to the median price. The only beneficiary of stamp duty is government and they've had a very big windfall over the last couple of years."
There have been hints that the state government is now open to banning no-grounds evictions, but less convinced by calls to cap rent hikes. Treasurer Rita Saffioti said on Friday that all options remain on the table. "We'll have to wait for Budget Day for further announcements in relation to that issue," she said. "Housing supply, we've said, is the biggest issue we're facing is to make sure we can get more homes built quicker."
Premier Roger Cook emphasised the importance of balancing tenant interests with landlord rights. "We're continuing to consult and consider what we need to do to continue to make housing more affordable for renters," he said on Sunday.
Matt Saville, a first homebuyer turned landlord, supports both rent caps and termination restrictions. He rents out his Fremantle property while self-managing and argues that no-grounds terminations aren't necessary. "That's what insurance is for," he said. "These laws changing will mean a huge relief for people who are renting and a huge pressure off, whereas for landlords it's not going to affect us really."
Shelter WA's Make Renting Fair survey found that 29 per cent of tenants have experienced a rent hike of $21 to $50, 48 per cent have seen an increase of $51 to $100, and 10 per cent reported a one-off increase of more than $100 per week. The majority did not try to negotiate, while 33 per cent did but were refused.
Shelter WA argues that other states have already abolished no-grounds terminations. "These asks aren't radical - we are simply playing catch up with the rest of the country," said Shelter WA chief executive Kath Snell. "Renters in WA are paying record rents to live in homes that are sometimes unstable and unsafe. We are having constructive discussions with the state government, and we will keep making it clear that these reforms are urgent and overdue."
