Most landlords and tenants are not fighting, but less so in one state
The rental crisis has, in the eyes of many, pitted landlords against tenants but nationwide research suggests most rental arrangements run smoothly, although one state had more fractious relationships than others.
Despite a tight rental market, a new nationwide survey reveals that an overwhelming majority of Australians have only ever had positive experiences with a landlord or rental provider.
The research challenges sensationalised misconceptions that all landlords are “greedy” and try to take advantage of their tenants.
The research, commissioned by Aus Property Professionals, reveals that three quarters of Australians indicated they have never had a bad experience with a landlord or rental provider.
However, there are some notable demographic differences. Younger Australians, aged 18-29, were more likely to report negative experiences, with 30 per cent indicating they have had a bad experience with a rental provider in the past. This is compared to only 17 per cent of those aged 55 and over.
The findings shed light on the varied experiences of Australians in the rental market and suggest that there is room for improvement in some regions and among certain age groups and that a significant portion of people were wrestling with landlord issues.
Young more likely to have landlord issues
In Queensland, one third (32 per cent) of respondents reported a bad experience with a rental provider, while only 23 per cent of those in New South Wales had a negative experience.
Residents of the Australian Capital Territory had the lowest incidence of negative experiences, with only 9 per cent reporting such experiences.
Lloyd Edge, Director of Aus Property Professionals said landlords were usually trying to focus on their own circumstances while providing a comfortable, efficiently managed place for renters to live.
“Contrary to popular belief, the majority of landlords are not big corporations or wealthy investors. “They are most of the time just ordinary people, usually mum and dad investors, who are trying to build a better future for themselves and their families.”
"Many of these landlords are conscientious and caring, and they want to do the right thing by their tenants.”
He said many points of conflict emerged not through greed or exploitation but through a lack of knowledge or expertise navigating the complex rental market on their own.
“That’s why they often rely on property managers to help them with the day-to-day management of their investment properties, including setting rental rates.
“So, it’s the advice of property managers, combined with the increased demand and lack of supply in the market, that keeps pushing rent prices up.”
Mr Edge said that if landlords are unsure of the rent that should be charged to tenants, research on similar listings on popular websites such as realestate.com.au would provide some guidance.
The rental crisis continues to unfold across the country, with a lack of housing supply pushing rents continually higher every month for more than a year.
PropTrack data indicated Perth recorded the largest rent increase in the first quarter of 2023 (8.7 per cent). Sydney (11.3 per cent), Brisbane (15.6 per cent), Adelaide (13.3 per cent) and Perth (11.1 per cent) all experienced increases of more than 10 per cent annually.
