Springer The Private Rental Sector in Australia: Living with Uncertainty

Review The Private Rental Sector in Australia: Living with Uncertainty by Alan Morris, Kath Hulse and Hal PawsonThis fascinating book draws on a decade of research by three leading housing researchers to expose the dire circumstances of many among the growing number of Australian private renters. Placed in the context of past trends and policy failings, it provides a compelling account of the realities of private rental living, drawing on interviews with tenants to provide a vivid but depressing account of their countless struggles. Written for the general reader, it is highly recommended as an information source and a rallying cry for action Emeritus Professor Peter Saunders, Social Policy Research Centre, University of New South WalesOver a quarter of Australians are living in private rental housing and yet until now we have lacked an in-depth study of this important part of the housing market. This fascinating new book by three leading housing experts admirably fills that gap in our knowledge and understanding.Written in an engaging style, The Private Rental Sector in Australia: living with uncertainty provides a concise and comprehensive analysis that will be of interest to experts and those new to the subject. It is essential reading for anyone who wishes to better understand the past, present and likely future of private renting in Australia and beyond.Professor Peter A Kemp, Professor of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford.The authors clearly demonstrate that the current private rental market in Australia is neither monolithic nor driven by demand but rather a mosaic produced by supply side financialization and institutional investors. Documenting the lived experience of renters, Morris, Hulse and Pawson help us to see how the massive expansion of Australia’s private rental sector, while providing options for people who prefer not being tied down with homeownership, has also created housing instability for most lower-income renters. Their focused analysis helps us to see that, in light of current conditions including the impact of Covid-19, a new path forward is needed to assure a more affordable and equitable housing system.  Janet L Smith, Professor, Urban Planning and Policy, University of Illinois at Chicago Product Description This book explores the decline and growth of the private rental sector in Australia delving into the changing dynamics of landlord investment and tenant profile over the course of the twentieth century and into the present period. It explains why over one in four Australian households are now private renters and investigates the contemporary legal and regulatory frameworks governing the sector. The reform discourses in Australia and comparator countries, and debates around key concerns such as Australia’s advantageous tax treatment of investors in rental property and the power imbalance between tenants and landlords are highlighted. The book draws on rich data: 600 surveys and close to 100 in-depth interviews with tenants in high, medium and low rent areas in Sydney and Melbourne and regional New South Wales. The book provides in-depth insights into this large and expanding component of Australia’s housing market and shows how being a private renter shapes the everyday lives and wellbeing of people and households who rent their housing including short and long-term renters, those on low and higher incomes and older as well as younger people.   Review “This book offers a timely review of contemporary private renting in Australia and an important contribution … . the writing is accessible, balanced and compelling. … The survey and in-depth interview data form the explanatory detail of the book’s chapters … make for fascinating reading. … the book provides a valuable navigation through this research to create a novel and comprehensive review of the PRS that is both impressive in its broad coverage and in the detail of its examinatio