We urge all parties to lock in renter rights
Media release: Persistent rental squeeze backs calls to lock in renter’s rights
2 November 2026
Fresh housing data has laid bare the unrelenting pressure being faced by Victorian renters, prompting the state’s peak tenant advocacy body to warn all political parties to commit to locking in renter’s rights ahead of the state election.
Today’s Cotality data reveals the rental crisis is not letting up, with the national vacancy rate remaining low at 2.3 per cent, leaving renters facing little to no options when looking for somewhere to live.
Rents in Victoria have climbed 4.4 per cent for houses and 4.6 for rents over the past year.
Tenants Victoria CEO Jennifer Beveridge says the data shows the financial burden of high inflation and living costs, paired with rising interest rates is being passed on to tenants.
‘Our system is out of balance which is why all politicians must back renters and lock in real protections that guarantee housing security and fairness in the upcoming election,” Ms Beveridge said.
‘Renters make up nearly one-third of Victorian households and they’re at their absolute limit when it comes to the amount of income they’re spending just for an acceptable place to live.
‘Tenants across the state have no leverage when vacancy rates remain at these emergency levels, and Victoria has led the way with legislated protections but we need to lock in our status as the leading jurisdiction for renters.
‘We have had clear commitments from Labor and the Greens to lock in renters rights. Unfortunately, we are yet to hear back from the Coalition or One Nation on whether they will lock in renters rights.
‘Locking in renters rights means protecting bans on no-fault evictions, enforcing minimum property standards so all rentals are safe, and ensuring renters have genuine security so they can feel stable in their tenancy.
‘A rental property is someone’s home, and renting is becoming a long-term housing solution for many in Victoria. It’s time for our leaders to treat housing as the essential service it is so all tenants are in a safe and secure home.’
Media inquiries: matt@hortonadvisory.com.au