The Western Australian government has recently passed new rental laws aimed at providing greater certainty for tenants and landlords. With record low levels of vacancy expected to continue in the short to medium-term, the government sought to strike a balance that did not deter investors. However, the Greens MLC Dr Brad Pettitt criticized the new laws, arguing that they did not address the ongoing housing crisis in the state and could potentially make the situation worse for renters. He particularly highlighted the government’s failure to reform no-grounds evictions from private rentals or public housing, which he deemed a betrayal of renters.
One of the key changes brought about by the new laws is the limitation of rent increases to once per year. While this may provide some stability for renters, Dr. Pettitt warned that it could also result in a significant increase all at once, putting additional strain on those who are already struggling financially. He also pointed out the hypocrisy of the government, which regularly uses no-grounds evictions in their own public housing tenancies while neglecting to address this issue in the new laws. This, he argued, effectively diminishes the rights of the 700,000 renters in Western Australia and highlights the government’s lack of concern for their immediate needs and security.
The passing of these laws occurred in the midst of mounting pressure from housing advocates and Independent MP Wilson Tucker, who recently received a “without grounds” termination notice himself. Tucker joined advocates in calling for greater protections for renters, emphasizing the vulnerability that many face in the current housing market. The laws, however, fell short of addressing these concerns and have been criticized for failing to provide meaningful solutions to the housing crisis. With an election looming in less than 12 months, the government may face repercussions for their perceived disregard for renters’ rights and well-being.
In response to criticisms from Dr. Pettitt and others, WA Premier Roger Cook and Commerce Minister Sue Ellery defended the new laws, asserting that they had carefully considered the needs of both tenants and landlords in crafting the legislation. With vacancy rates at record lows and no immediate relief in sight, the government saw a need to strike a delicate balance that would not deter investment while providing some stability for renters. While they acknowledged the challenges faced by renters, they also noted the importance of ensuring a fair and equitable rental market that benefits all parties involved.
Despite the government’s efforts to address the pressing issues within the rental market, critics like Dr. Pettitt remain unconvinced of the effectiveness of the new laws. By neglecting to reform no-grounds evictions and failing to provide adequate protections for renters, the government has been accused of prioritizing the needs of landlords over those of tenants. As the debate continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the new laws will truly provide the much-needed relief for renters in Western Australia or simply perpetuate the existing challenges within the housing market.
