Heathcote MP Maryanne Stuart said the growing gap between rent rises and wages increases had placed a further strain on household budgets.

Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed from 2011-2021, the average weekly rents in Thirroul had risen by 63 per cent, yet average monthly incomes had only risen 40 per cent.

In Bulli during the same period, average weekly rents had risen by 68 per cent, whereas average monthly income had only risen by 60 per cent.

Helensburgh residents had also felt the pinch with average weekly rents increasing by 47 per cent and wages only increasing by 39%.

The Minns NSW Government has signalled its intentions to make life easier for renters throughout the state.

The NSW Government recently sought feedback regarding several key rental reforms including:

● removing ‘no grounds’ evictions

● making it easier for renters to keep pets in their property

● protecting personal information held by real estate agents

● making it easier to transfer rental bonds from one property to another

Weekly Rent

Monthly Income

Figures also showed the number of households in rental stress in Helensburgh, Bulli and Thirroul had risen by 30.8%, 26.6%, and 23.8%, respectively from 2016-2021.

Mrs Stuart said the NSW Government was determined to ease the financial strain on renters.

“These stats show that renters are really struggling to make ends meet,” Mrs Stuart said

“When rents rise faster than incomes, this just places a further strain on household budgets.

“It makes it harder to put a roof over your head and have food on the tables for your family.

“The NSW government has signalled its intentions to provide relief for renters who are doing it tough.

“The removal of no grounds evictions and the transfer of rental bonds from one property to another are just a few changes that will make an enormous difference for renters not only in the Heathcote electorate, but throughout the entire state.”