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Amid mounting pressure from Western Australia’s tight rental supply, tenants are being urged not to settle for substandard rental conditions.
According to the state’s Consumer Protection, a total of 367 enquiries and 32 complaints have been received, highlighting rental property issues such as disrepair, mould, and electrical safety hazards.
However, the agency suspects these figures are only a small proportion of the actual number of tenants experiencing such problems currently.
“Due to the low vacancy rates, we are concerned some tenants may feel trapped in substandard properties and afraid to voice their concerns out of fear of being unable to find another place to live,” it noted.
While acknowledging these “anxieties”, the agency strongly urges tenants to familiarise themselves with their rights or reach out for assistance, allowing for a proactive resolution of their concerns.
Recent research from the University of South Australia has revealed the concerning extent to which residents’ health and wellbeing are at risk of being compromised by the subpar condition of the majority of rental properties across the country.
Findings of the study showed substandard housing conditions has detrimental effects on population health and wellbeing, with cold housing in winter linked to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, as well as mental health issues.
Additionally, damp and mouldy housing has been shown to significantly impact acute asthma cases, particularly in children. Insecure or unaffordable housing also has long-term consequences on residents’ mental health.
In line with this, Consumer Protection provided comprehensive recommendations on how to effectively address a range of rental issues.
In the event of experiencing shocks, tingles, or other electrical hazards, the agency advised tenants to promptly contact their network operator before notifying their landlord, property manager, or relevant government agencies like Consumer Protection or Building and Energy.
Harmful black mould is another health hazard the agency warned to watch out for, especially with the impending wetter months.
“A landlord could be in breach of a rental agreement if mould develops due to a lack of maintenance or repairs, while a tenant could be in breach if they fail to keep the property reasonably clean, dry, and well-ventilated,” it stated.
According to the agency, tenants confronting repair or maintenance issues that could jeopardise their wellbeing or cause undue hardship should be aware of their right to hold the landlord accountable for failing to carry out urgent or essential repairs.
Consumer Protection reiterated that tenants have legal recourse in cases where their rental contract obligations have been breached, including the possibility of being released from the contract and receiving compensation. Additionally, tenants who encounter delays in repairs or maintenance are urged to promptly contact Consumer Protection for assistance.
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