Abstract:

This article reports on findings from the Private Rental Project of the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute concerning boarding houses in Australia. The author looks at the affordability, appropriateness, structure, role and legislative framework of the boarding house sector. Outlined is a summary of the legislative arrangements governing the relationship between boarding house residents and their landlords in each state and territory. The sector is characterised by insufficient supply, physically inadequate conditions, lack of legislated protection for residents and insecure accommodation arrangements for residents, many of whom receive a pension and/or have a disability. The policy options available to government to support boarding houses are examined.