Renters are being squeezed as the housing market fails to provide affordable options, forcing individuals to cut back on essentials or move in with family to cope with rising costs.

Advocacy groups in Western Australia are pressing for urgent government measures, including caps on rent increases, longer notice periods, and an end to no-grounds evictions.

Perth is repeatedly named as Australia’s most unaffordable capital for renters, a finding echoed by the National Shelter Economics and Planning Rental Affordability Index for a second year running.

Proposals suggest landlords should bear the burden of justifying rent hikes, shifting the onus away from tenants.

Vacancy rates are alarmingly low at about 0.7%, far below a healthy 2.5–3.5% range, intensifying affordability pressure.

Advocates say that solving the rental crisis requires protections for renters now, not just longer-term supply solutions.

There is a call to extend the WA Rent Relief Program for at least two years beyond its current June 30, 2026 end date to safeguard vulnerable renters during policy changes.

Rent increases have surged, with median weekly rent rising from $339 in 2021 to $716 in 2025, adding roughly $20,000 annually in housing costs for an average renter.

Affordable suburbs have largely disappeared, and low- to middle-income renters, including essential workers like teachers and nurses, are being squeezed statewide.