We live in a society that simply doesn’t care about vulnerable people that need stable long-term accomodation. We live in a society that view low income earners and underemployed as lazy and apathetic. Why do people among us in a position of power and privilege have the right to increase rent astronomically? Why do they have the right to increase rent to a degree which stops people who are trying to stay afloat in a cold and indifferent society from being able to afford let alone compete with people who have the means to pay for astronomical increases. We must take a stand against what is effectively the root of all evil. Society is corrupted by the allure of greed, money and power. 

I will share my grievances I have with my private landlord:

My housemate's daughter needed surgery to remove a paint shard that become imbedded below her big toe. Till this day causes pain and discomfort. Landlord expressed little to know concern when informed. 

Landlord will not provide long-term lease because they want to increase rent as often as possible.

Landlord agreed to increasing rent by twenty dollars a fortnight and giving a 12-month lease. Following fortnight reneged on agreement and intended to increase rent by fifty dollars a fortnight and only provide a 6 month lease.

Landlord did not provide 60 days notice for rental increase.

Landlord refuses to provide a non-face-to-face method to pay for rent.

House has numerous maintenance related issues: no insulation which results in sauna-like conditions throughout Summer and freezing during Winter. Sharp nail tops sticking out of the ground and floorboards that cause splinters.

Landlord is rude and inconsiderate by making statements like “it’s only an extra $10 a week what’s the big deal” despite explaining rental increase has a profound impact on financial, mental and physical health. 

Why do renters have to jump through hoops and compete with each other to secure housing. Why to landlords have absolute power with regard to increasing rent without justifiable reason? Housing should be a equitable market. Everyone should have equal opportunity to secure affordable housing. Legislation needs to be in place to support people who are trying to survive. 

I have reached out to RentRight SA and this is their response:

Dear Jamie,

 

You are absolutely right the rent can’t be increased during the first 1yr, after that it can be increased and if there is a clause in the lease agreement that you have signed, then it can be increased, as by signing the lease, it assumes you have agreed to all the clauses.

Paying cash is an option, however as per the RTA, the Landlord must provide an alternative method of payment eg bank details for electronic transfer.  You can request this in writing and if the Landlord doesn’t agree, you can take it to SACAT (tribunal).

Maintenance requests should be done in writing, so if you have notified the Landlord in writing of the repairs you then need to serve the Landlord with a Section 68 – ‘Request for Repairs’ form, which is attached for your convenience.

 

All these things make for a very uncomfortable tenancy situation and while it is not in line with the law, the issue is that the Landlord has power over tenants due to the current market and our system not being very strict when it comes to tenancy laws.

 

You can advise your landlord that the increase in rent is against the Act and not pay it, but obviously then you would need to look for another rental when you lease ends. 

 

There is not much that can be done, other than to go to SACAT and that won’t really assist you as they can’t do much other than order the Landlord to give you another method of paying the rent and to order the Landlord to fix the property but if he doesn’t the tribunal may award some compensation, but it would be very minimal.

 

I hope this helps in a small way, please contact us if you want to chat further about it.

 

It is apparent that rights are disproportionately with the homeowner. Renters need better support especially when certain individuals have benefited from the pandemic. 

There are people out there who are experiencing much greater hardships. I recognise the enormity of enacting change however this a National issue that needs amending by people in positions of power. Our unified voices can be a catalyst for a better tomorrow.