Advocates call for rental price cap

Advocates call for a rental price cap as government review fails to address affordability
 

Renter advocacy groups are calling for rent capping following concerns that the government’s review of the Residential Tenancies Act fails to address rental affordability.

SACOSS, Uniting Communities, Better Renting, and the Anti-Poverty Network SA all made submissions on the review discussion paper published by the Office of Consumer and Businesses Services, but have joined together to highlight the crisis in rental affordability and the need for the government to cap rental price increases.

Government data shows that some rents have gone up by nearly double the CPI rate over the last year. Median rents for a newly tenanted 2-bedroom unit in Adelaide in the September Quarter of 2022 were 12.1% higher than at the same time last year, while rents for 3-bedroom houses were 15.8% higher. By comparison, the general inflation rate for Adelaide was 8.4% for the year.

The call for a rent price cap comes just days after the Federal Government intervened in the energy market by imposing price caps on coal and gas.

There are a range of models for how rent capping can work, and the groups are happy to work with government on the details, but the first step is to urgently amend the legislation to enable rent price caps to be put in place.

Quotes attributable to the groups

SACOSS CEO, Ross Womersley, said

“It is disappointing that very few of the proposals put forward by the government deal with the fundamental issue of rental affordability. While many of the proposals in the government’s discussion paper would be of modest benefit to renters, including ending no cause evictions, they don’t go nearly far enough to address the current rental affordability crisis.”

“We know that when rents increase faster than inflation, landlords receive an increase in their real income, while tenants see their real standards of living decrease. This is simply unfair.”

Pas Forgione, Campaigns Coordinator for the Anti-Poverty Network SA said

“We are in a rental affordability crisis, and in a crisis, governments should take urgent action. We are seeing people skipping meals and medicines, because of huge rents and enormous rent rises. This cannot be allowed to continue. Governments have to intervene to protect people just trying to keep a roof over their head.”

“We have seen price controls applied to national energy markets, because electricity is an essential need, we need something similar for rent increases, because housing is an essential need, and rent rises are causing huge pain and stress to renters and their families.”

Better Renting Executive Director Joel Dignam said:

“Everyone should be able to afford to stay in their home. For people who rent to have stable and affordable homes, they can’t be facing rent increases that stretch household budgets to breaking point and force people to move. Capping rent increases is something the government can do right away to help keep rents affordable and support people to keep their homes.”

Uniting Communities CEO, Simon Schrapel, said

“When markets fail, our governments must find the courage to intervene. Our housing market – particularly for many South Australians relying on private rental housing – is in crisis. Now is the time for decisive intervention.”

 “A rent cap to protect the most vulnerable would have an immediate and profound impact in reducing the stress for low-income private renters. This is action that can – and must – be taken now if our State Government has a real commitment to reducing financial hardship and homelessness”.

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MICHELE WACHLA

Michele is an accomplished social services professional with a dual background in Social Work and Business, bringing over 18 years of experience to her work. She has developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within Regional, Rural, and Remote (RRR) environments, particularly in South Australia. Michele is a recognised leader, known for her expertise in designing and implementing place-based initiatives that address the complexities of RRR communities. Her work is underpinned by strategic planning, effective resourcing, and a strong focus on policy review and advocacy to ensure that services remain relevant, equitable, and sustainable. Michele’s commitment to community-centred approaches drives meaningful outcomes, nurturing resilience, and growth across regional South Australia.

KHATIJA THOMAS

DAVE ADAMSON

Dave moved to Australia following a 30-year academic career in the UK. He has since worked in the Community Housing sector and authored the 2016 Towards a National Housing Strategy, and helped to establish the Everybody’s Home campaign. He also researches the interface between poverty and climate change and actively supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He has worked with government at all levels and has experience of policy development and evaluation. He is co-author of Sustainable Places: Addressing Social Inequality and Environmental Crisis (2022, Routledge). In his spare time he plays and builds guitars.

ROHAN FEEGRADE

Rohan is an experienced and forward-thinking CEO, senior executive and board director with demonstrated expertise across the not-for-profit, private and government sectors. Currently CEO of Lutheran Care, he has proven record for creating substantial organisational, stakeholder and client value, and has extensive experience in strategically positioning organisations for transformational change and growth within the health, disability, education and community service sectors. Rohan is a socially responsible professional, genuinely passionate about creating opportunities for people who live with disadvantage and disability, always acting ethically to serve those he works with and for.

JANE MUSSARED

Jane has worked in for purpose and government health and human service settings throughout her career. In June 2024 she returned to SA and joined the Maggie Beer Foundation as CEO following 20 months based in Canberra as an Advisor to the Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care. Previously she was Chief Executive of COTA SA and before that an executive of ACH Group. Jane served on a range of boards and committees prior to moving to Canberra, including the SACOSS Policy Council until 2022, as chair of the South Australian Circus Centre and as a non-Executive Director with the Maggie Beer Foundation.

NANCY PENNA

Nancy has than 30 years of experience in South Australian community services, and a a unique understanding of the political and social landscape and the issues and opportunities facing South Australia. Currently responsible for the strategic and operational oversight of AnglicareSA’s community services portfolio, she has previously held executive roles in government within child protection and disability, with her executive experience underpinned by her earlier career as a social worker in child protection and youth justice. She is also Chair of the Child and Family Focus South Australia (CAFFSA) Board and most recently on the Housing Security for Older Women Taskforce.

NICOLE CHAPLIN

Nicole is a dedicated and experienced youth support professional, specialising in solutions for disadvantaged young people in South Australia. As CEO of St John’s Youth Services, she oversees innovative programs like youth110 and Foyer Port Adelaide. With over thirty years in the community sector, Nicole has built extensive networks and her expertise spans governance, service delivery, policy development, and partnerships. Recognised with the 2018 AHI Inspirational Leader Award, Nicole is an active participant in housing and homelessness networks. She holds leadership roles in various organisations, including Anglicare Australia’s National Reconciliation Network.

EMMA CROSBY

Emma is a chartered Accountant with more than 15 years experience as a board member, finance and business professional, strategic advisor and company secretary. She has strong values and a passion for enabling and leading organisations to meet its operational and strategic direction through long-term financial sustainability, operational efficiency, innovation, leadership, transformation and partnerships. As Treasurer and Board member at SACOSS, she is committed to successfully leading and making a purposeful impact to the organisation and its stakeholders.

David PANTER

David has worked in health and social care for almost 45 years, over half of which has been as a Chief Executive. In the UK he initially worked in the NHS and more latterly in local government, where he was Chief Executive of Brighton & Hove City Council. In 2004 David was recruited to the South Australian public health system for over 10 years leading reforms including the development of the new Royal Adelaide Hospital. From 2015-2022 David was the Chief Executive of not-for-profit aged care provider ECH. At the end of January 2022 David became the Chief Executive at Minda, SA’s largest provider of services to people living with an intellectual disability.

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