Rent crisis taking psychological toll

THE rental crisis is having negative psychological effects on tenants, with a growing number reporting rent-associated depression and anxiety.

About one in three Australians rent and the survey by realestate.com.au showed 89 per cent of renters reported experiencing negative psychological effects directly related to the rental climate.

Fifty-nine per cent of renters expressed "anxiety" over their renting predicament. Forty-one per cent felt "helpless" in their rental situation and one in five said they felt rage and fury over their situation.

Only 11 per cent of renters are happy with their current accommodation and only 4 per cent feel well cared for by their landlords, the survey found.

But even with a shortage of good accommodation and rents rising by 9 per cent during 2007, the majority of respondents said they would rather stay in less than ideal rental properties then go back into the market.

Fifty-six per cent of prospective tenants were deterred from applying for properties based on the number of people at inspections. More than a third said they felt they would never be able to own a home.

Rent crisis taking psychological toll | The Daily Telegraph