Constituency questions
Croydon electorate
Mr HODGETT (Croydon) (14:44): (6346) My constituency question is to the Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation. Can the minister please provide information and data on the change in the number of properties available for rent since the government implemented their changes to the Residential Tenancies Act 1997? Speaking to local real estate agents and several constituents, they have raised urgent concerns about the severe reduction in the pool of properties available for rent due to the changes to the Residential Tenancies Act—a reduction of up to 15 per cent. Property owners are selling their rental properties because this government has made it completely unattractive to hold a rental property. As a result of this huge shortage of rental properties, rent bidding wars are taking place on what is left and available for rent. People are desperately seeking places to rent, and this in turn is driving up huge increases in rent. Families are so desperate for properties that they have resorted to advertising on community noticeboards with photos of their families begging for rentals. The government was warned of these consequences of the legislative changes but refused to listen to industry experts. It is time that the government acknowledges their big mistake and revisits the changes they made to the Residential Tenancies Act. Victoria is in a rental crisis. Changes need to be made immediately.