Politics · Australia · 5 hrs ago
Advocates call for annual rent cap across Western Australia
Housing advocacy groups are calling for annual rent caps across Western Australia as rents rise.
The Make Renting Fair Alliance says its plan would limit increases to 2 per cent this year.
Its report estimates Perth tenants could save almost $33,000 over five years, while regional renters could save about $30,000.
In Broome, financial counsellor Veronica Johnson said her rent rose from $480 to $740 a week, and a similar unit was offered for $1,000.
Her employer helped cover the cost, and renter advocates say rising expenses are forcing people into difficult choices.
WA introduced a rule in 2023 limiting landlords to one rent increase a year, but did not set a cap, citing possible unintended effects.
The real estate industry warns rent caps could hurt people seeking a home, while advocates continue to press for the change; no government decision on the proposal is stated.
Housing advocacy groups are calling for annual rent increases to be capped across Western Australia.
A report by the Make Renting Fair Alliance says a 2 per cent cap this year could save Perth tenants almost $33,000 over five years.
The report estimates regional renters could save about $30,000, based on an average weekly rent of $710.
Real Estate Institute of WA president Rob Mandanici said rent caps could disadvantage people looking for somewhere to rent.
Broome financial counsellor Veronica Johnson said her rent rose from $480 to $740 a week after she rented a unit there from 2021.
- Who
- The Make Renting Fair Alliance and other housing advocates are calling for a rent cap. The Real Estate Institute of WA has warned of costs for prospective renters.
- What
- Advocates want annual rent increases capped across Western Australia.
- When
- The report was released on October 21, 2026.
- Where
- Western Australia, including Perth and regional areas.
- Why
- Advocates say rents have outpaced inflation and wage growth, making housing costs increasingly unaffordable.
Housing advocates
Real Estate Institute of WA
Effect of rent caps
Housing advocates
A cap would help stabilise rents and give renters and landlords certainty.
Real Estate Institute of WA
Caps could protect current renters in the short term at the expense of people looking for somewhere to rent.
Veronica Johnson began renting a unit in Broome.
The WA government introduced rental reforms, including limiting landlords to one rent increase a year.
The Make Renting Fair Alliance released its report calling for an annual rent cap.
- Proposed cap
- 2 per cent on rental increases this year
- Perth tenant savings
- Almost $33,000 over five years
- Regional renter savings
- About $30,000, based on average rent of $710 a week
- Broome rent
- Rose from $480 to $740 a week
- Alternative unit in Broome
- $1,000 a week
What people are saying
We need a system that gives renters and landlords certainty and stops housing costs from spiralling further.
Rent caps might sound appealing, but they come at a significant cost to …
That's over a 100 per cent increase and I can't imagine any mortgages would be that much.
Even these amounts that can seem small really add up (after) years of relentless rent increases.