18 March 2024
The Greens will move for the State Government to freeze rents and strengthen laws against rent bidding In Parliament this week, as new reports reveal that national rental affordability has reached its lowest level in at least 17 years and the practice of rent bidding remains prevalent in South Australia.
Last week, PropTrack reported that SA rent prices have soared by 10 to 30 per cent across 92 suburbs over the last year while peak housing body Shelter SA has revealed that many renters are still bidding against one another to secure a property.
In November last year the State Parliament passed major reforms to SA’s rental laws but stopped short of supporting the Greens’ proposals to implement rent controls and to completely prohibit rent bidding by banning agents and landlords from accepting unsolicited offers above the asking price from prospective tenants.
“Last year’s reforms provided some relief to SA renters, but this latest data is a stark reminder that the State Government can’t simply rest on its laurels as the housing crisis continues,” said Greens SA Housing Spokesperson Robert Simms MLC.
“The Government must close the loophole that is allowing rent bidding to continue in a different guise.”
"Renters desperately need a break from skyrocketing prices and that's why the Greens will be moving for a two year rent freeze and a cap on any future increases in line with CPI. I urge the Malinauskas Government to support this push before more South Australians are plunged into poverty and homelessness,” he said.