Industry head warns on rental changes

REIV President Leah Calnan, has called on the Victorian Government to be mindful of the low vacancy rates across the state when it goes through the next stage of rental law reform.

Ms Calnan said the REIV is committed to working to achieve the best outcomes for all parties.

“With record low vacancy rates across Victoria, it’s already incredibly tough for a person to get a rental home, the REIV is deeply concerned that these rental reforms may force landlords to take their properties off the market, making our statewide rental housing shortage even worse,” she said.

“Many landlords are nervous about changes to the investment property they worked so hard to purchase. If rental housing stocks are impacted further.

“If rental shortages continue to worsen, we have great concerns that the most vulnerable in our society will suffer, many families who are unable to obtain a rental home will be forced onto the streets, placing more pressure on welfare groups and charities.”