Tasmanian renters are coughing up thousands more a year

A lack of housing continues to place pressure on the rental market, the union says as they map out a path forward.

Housing supply critical says Tenants Union head solicitor, Ben Bartl.

Hobart is one of three capital cities to buck the national rent trend of rents rising under 0.5 per cent.

While some capital cities had a decline in rent, Hobart’s rent increased by 1.5 per cent, well above the national average of 0.4.

Overall still a concerning sign according to Tenants Union of Tasmania principle solicitor Ben Bartl.

“It is extremely concerning that rents in Tasmania have risen over the last year with the average renter paying around $1200 more per annum compared to twelve months ago,” he said.

Tenants Union of Tasmania principal solicitor Ben Bartl. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“Many renters are struggling to make ends meet and the increase in rents is only placing increased pressure on the social housing wait list.”

Mr Bartl said the matter of housing supply can be eased through other means besides construction.

“We urgently need more social housing but the reality is that it will take years to build,” he said.

“In the meantime, we urgently need to retain existing housing stock by making empty homes in the private rental market available to renters and banning the conversion of whole homes into short-stay accommodation.”

CoreLogic released its quarterly report on national rent values in January and found the December quarter was the smallest fourth quarter change in rents since 2018.

While Hobart prices increased one per cent higher than the national average, it remains the most affordable capital city to rent.

Over the past 12 months, from December 2023 to December 2024, rents have increased by 6 per cent.

A unit’s weekly median rent is $483 a week, and a house $573 a week.

Hobart’s vacancy rate is 1.9 per cent, meaning there is a very limited supply of rentals available.

Data from REA Group shows similar rates of increase in December. For the rest of Tasmania, while house rents remained unchanged, unit rents went up 6.7 per cent.