Politicians call on state government to fix Tassie rental crisis amid Airbnb situation

The Greens and Labor are calling on the state government to limit Hobart’s surging Airbnb situation, saying short stay rentals are aiding our housing crisis and “driving up rents”. LATEST >

reclaim Australia rally in Hobart, /Counter protester and green leader for Tasmania Cassy O, Connor

The Greens are calling on the government to limit Hobart’s surging Airbnb situation after the Tasmanian Planning Commission ruled against Hobart City Council’s bid to cap short term accommodation on Friday.

Greens spokeswoman Cassy O’Connor said the short stay rentals are locking out “hundreds of Tasmanians from the rental market” and “driving up rents”.

“The flow on effects to local economies are huge, with many regional towns suffering accommodation and workforce shortages,” she said.

“For the past few years, the Liberals have repeatedly told Tasmanians that it’s up to local councils to set their own rules for short stay rentals. Well, Hobart City Council have tried.”

The Tasmanian Planning Commission handed down the decision to the Hobart City Council and found proposed rules would clash with existing directives.

It comes as the state government announced it will give more incentives for Tasmanian homeowners looking at putting their property on the rental market.

The Private Rental Incentive program will cap rents between 25 to 30 per cent below median rates.

The $9.25m program which is under the government’s $1.5b housing package will give property owners incentive payments up to $9900 for each property per financial year.

The program guarantees landlords rent for two years.

Minister for Energy and Renewables Guy Barnett speaks to the media at Geilston Bay on Monday, October 17, 2022.

Housing minister Guy Barnett said he had met with property owners who will participate in the program.

“We know many Tasmanians are struggling to find an affordable rental, so if you have a property you can rent to someone who needs a hand up, we can help you,” he said.

“With 260 properties on the books, we are looking for another 140 homes to join the program.

“That’s peace of mind, no fees and an opportunity to help people in need while getting a guaranteed return for your rental property,’’ Mr Barnett said.

Meanwhile, Labor is supporting the state government with the Private Rental Incentive Program, but believes they should be doing more to assist vulnerable Tasmanians.

Labor spokeswoman Ella Haddad said there are currently more than 4500 Tasmanians waiting for housing in the state.

“The Private Rental Incentive Program realistically only helps a small minority of people, many who have been on the waiting list for years,” she said.

“It is also a time-limited program, meaning renters run the risk of being plunged back into the unaffordable private rental market at the end of their two-year lease.”