WA renters paying extra $20K a year as spiralling rents push families to the brink, calls for rent caps grow

Governments are being urged to intervene in rental markets as new figures reveal a more than 50 per cent increase in WA’s median rent since 2021. Advocates say measures such as rent caps, longer notice periods for increases and an end to “no grounds” evictions are urgently needed to protect struggling households. A new report from the WA Make Renting Fair Alliance shows the state’s median weekly rent has surged from $339 in 2021 to $716 today. On average, renters are paying an extra $377 a week — nearly $20,000 a year — while previously affordable suburbs have almost vanished. The surge in prices follows several years of extreme rental shortages, with The West Australian previously reporting that Perth’s vacancy rate fell to an unprecedented 0.4 per cent in 2022 — the tightest market on record. At the time, desperate tenants were offering up to 20 per cent above the asking price just to secure a home, a pressure-cooker environment that helped set the stage for today’s high rents. While Perth’s vacancy rate has recently risen, earlier this year that even the improvement to around 2 – 2.5 per cent still leaves the market below balanced levels, with many inner and coastal suburbs hovering near 1 per cent or less. As a result, the slight easing has done little to bring prices down for most renters. No electorate now offers a median house rent near $400, and only 17 per cent of apartment markets remain in that range. Rising prices are being felt across the metropolitan area, with suburbs including Cottesloe, Carine, Nedlands and Churchlands recording some of the largest increases. Make Renting Fair WA spokesperson Alice Pennycott said the relentless hikes are driving more people into housing stress, poverty and homelessness. She warned that renters can no longer rely on the state’s traditional affordable areas. “Suburbs that were previously considered affordable have basically disappeared,” she said. “Low- and medium-income renters aren’t just priced out of certain neighbourhoods anymore — they’re being priced out of the entire state. Supply matters, but renters need protection now, not in 10 years’ time.” Even with a modest rise in vacant properties in outer suburbs — largely due to newly completed builds — some high-demand areas are still attracting long queues at home opens and multiple applications within hours. Shelter WA chief executive Kath Snell said many families are being pushed into debt or forced to forgo essentials. “Rising rents are driving overcrowding and homelessness,” she said. “Some people are going without medications or basic food just to keep a roof over their heads.” Anglicare WA chief executive Mark Glasson said essential workers, including teachers and nurses, can no longer afford to live in the communities they serve, while the affordable suburbs working families relied on have disappeared. “We need to look after renters. More and more people are renting, more of them in the private market, and we must ensure they’re protected,” he said. Western Australian Council of Social Service chief executive Louise Giolitto said the figures highlight the need for urgent action, noting the government’s willingness to trial new solutions during the pandemic. “The WA Government showed that during the COVID-19 pandemic it was willing to try new solutions, like the moratorium on rent increases during 2020 and 2021 to help tenants,” she said “We think now’s the time to try rent stabilisation measures and ensure housing remains affordable amid rising living costs. “Extending the WA Rent Relief Program would also help keep families in their homes.” Advocates warn that without immediate intervention, Western Australia’s housing crisis will continue to worsen, leaving more families at risk of losing their homes.