Anglicare Australia says the rental market is failing older people, with data revealing 99 per cent of listings are currently unaffordable for people living on the pension.
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The not-for-profit released its latest rental affordability snapshot on Tuesday April 30, and it makes for harrowing viewing.
Of the more than 45,000 listings that were surveyed, just 0.2 were affordable for single Aussies on the pension - a record low.
Couples on the pension did not fare much better, with just 1 per cent of listings deemed affordable - down from 3.2 per cent in 2019.
Anglicare Australia executive director Kasy Chambers said the figures highlighted the urgent need for more social housing to protect the old and vulnerable from housing stress.
"It's no wonder the aged care Royal Commission called for action on housing stress and homelessness," she said.
"Older people are being locked out of housing right when they need security the most. This makes it harder to get care at home, and it makes it harder for renters to age at home."
She said Australia currently had a shortfall of more than 640,000 social homes.
"We can't outsource all of our housing needs to the private market. And we can't expect individual landlords to solve a national rental crisis for people who are the most vulnerable.
"The Federal Government must step in and fund more social housing for people who need it the most."
