Rental properties in Murray Bridge are affordable for an average family, study finds
But are South Australia's rental laws fair? Have your say by the end of this week.
Rental properties in Murray Bridge are generally affordable, a national study has found – so long as you’re working, and you can find a place.
The study, by SGS Economics and Planning, looked at rental affordability across Australia.
It found that properties in Murray Bridge were generally affordable for families with an income of around $73,000 per year, the average for regional South Australia.
But for a family with an income of around $30,000 – such as an unemployed couple – the district was rated as unaffordable.
The study only looked at how much rental properties cost, not whether any rentals were available.
According to realestate.com.au, 17 residential properties were available to rent in the Murray Bridge district on Tuesday, at an average of $352 per week.
- More information about rental affordability: www.sgsep.com.au.
Should renters be able to offer more than the advertised price?
The analysis came as the state government is considering a number of changes to rental laws to protect tenants.
Renters and interested people have until the end of this week to offer feedback on the biggest review of South Australia’s laws in seven years.
Among the ideas up for discussion are:
- Whether landlords should have to give a reason for ending a lease
- Capping bonds at four weeks’ rent, and making them transferable between properties
- A ban on “rent bidding”, or securing a property by offering more than the advertised price per week
- Removing the right of landlords to refuse pets
- Making landlords clean up drug houses before re-letting them
With the cost of living spiralling, Consumer and Business Affairs Minister Andrea Michaels said, now was the time to make sure the state’s laws were fair to both landlords and tenants.
“We want to hear from tenants, landlords and others who have a stake in ensuring we have a fair and equitable system that benefits everyone,” she said.
- Have your say: Complete the survey at yoursay.sa.gov.au/renting-law-reform by 5pm on Friday.
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