WA rents have more than doubled in five years, and a new report shows renters could save tens of thousands of dollars if the State Government introduced rent caps.
Make Renting Fair WA's new report, The Cap Still Fits, reveals that rents have risen seven times faster than wages since 2021, with the average WA renter now paying an extra $410 per week, or $21,320 per year, in rent.
The report also finds that, if current trends continue, Perth's median weekly rent could exceed $1,800 by 2031.
But it doesn't have to be this way.
The report estimates that introducing a 2% cap on annual rent increases by the end of 2026 could save Perth renters $32,916 over the next five years, compared with rents continuing to rise at 6.8% annually.
Why the Guild is backing rent caps
The Curtin Student Guild is proud to be a Principal Partner of Make Renting Fair WA, joining more than 40 housing organisations, unions and community groups campaigning for a fairer rental system.
Housing affordability is one of the biggest barriers facing students. Every extra dollar spent on rent is money students can't spend on groceries, transport, textbooks or other essentials.
For too many students, rising rents mean working longer hours, sacrificing study time or struggling to stay enrolled at university.
That's why housing reform is student advocacy.
The Guild believes rent caps must apply to everyone, including students living in university accommodation, purpose-built student housing, share houses and private rentals.
We also continue to call for all student accommodation to be properly regulated, with enforceable rights and protections for residents.
Students shouldn't miss out on rental protections simply because of where they live.
It's time to cap rents
Make Renting Fair WA is calling on the State Government to limit annual rent increases to 2% or CPI, whichever is lower.
Governments already regulate the prices of essential services, from electricity to public transport. Housing should be no different.
Rent caps alone won't solve the housing crisis, but they would provide immediate protection against excessive increases while longer-term solutions are developed.
Students cannot afford another five years of runaway rent increases.
The Guild will continue working alongside Make Renting Fair WA to fight for affordable housing, stronger rental protections and a fairer deal for every student.
Students need rent caps. And we need them now.