Fear of eviction deters many older renters from speaking out

The inquiry’s terms of reference include examining the adequacy of existing legislation and whether it reflects housing type diversity, includes proper consumer protections, dispute resolution procedures, fair pricing, consistent standards, upholds the dignity of retirees and provides appropriate care and quality of life.

It will also consider the option of appointing a retirement housing ombudsman.

In its submission, the Housing Action for the Aged Group, which operates Home at Last, a housing information and support service for older people, includes recommendations on a range of issues encountered by residents in private rentals, caravan and residential parks and villages, not-for-profit retirement villages and independent living units.

Spokesperson Shanny Gordon said older people face many housing issues, particularly in the areas of affordability and security.

“One of our recommendations is that the government needs to reconsider its role in the retirement housing sector,” she said.

“There needs to be a commitment to provide, and support organisations to provide, affordable, secure, appropriate and innovative housing for older people.

“There’s an assumption that older people own their own homes. But there is a declining rate of home ownership and there has been a 44 per cent increase in the number of older people in the private rental market over the past five years.”

Ms Gordon said there was often a “power imbalance” for those who rent.

“We hear from many clients who fear speaking up about issues like rent increases and property maintenance.

“Some feel bullied, they are scared about rent increases and eviction, and they aren’t aware of their rights because there is a lack of consistent, accessible information.

“We believe that within the different sectors, standard agreements and procedures should be mandatory so older residents can have security and confidence in a system where their issues can be heard without fear or favour.”

Ms Gordon said her organisation would welcome the appointment of an ombudsman and had made a number of recommendations about the need for clear lines of communication and definition of responsibilities.

The parliamentary inquiry is due to report in March next year.

INDEPENDENT living unit (ILU) tenants in Melbourne have raised concerns with The Senior about management practices.

The tenants, who insisted on anonymity, said they had attempted to raise some of their complaints with management but that the lines of communication were not in place to allow this, and they had not received satisfactory responses.

Consequently, they were worried at taking their concerns further for fear of eviction.

One tenant, who has severely limited mobility, said the management company claimed the unit provided had been modified to accommodate their needs.

But when The Senior visited, there appeared little evidence of such modifications except for an access ramp from outside. There was little or no difference between that unit and another in the same complex occupied by an able-bodied tenant.

The tenants were concerned about their rent and claimed that others living in ILUs run by the management company did not meet the stated eligibility criteria.

According to the Housing for the Aged Action Group, while independent living units are a mostly affordable and relatively secure form of housing specifically for older people, the informal protections could be more appropriately legislated.

Spokesperson Shanny Gordon said the tenants’ situation was just one example of many where older people living in ILUs, caravan and residential parks, not-for-profit retirement villages and rental villages were victims of a system that does not adequately provide for disadvantaged older people.

Among her organisation’s recommendations for ILUs to the parliamentary inquiry are five to10-year leases with a legislated option to renew decided by the tenant; and legislation of clear communication processes between tenants and management.