Exploring housing insecurity and mental health

Feeling safe and secure at home is fundamental to mental health and wellbeing.

Yet for renters in WA, that sense of security can be disrupted at any time due to a ‘no grounds eviction.’

Recently, The Sunday Times reported on speculation that the WA State Government would end no grounds evictions, with an announcement anticipated in the 2026/27 State Budget in May.

If announced, this change would have a significant impact in preventing mental distress and supporting the wellbeing of more than 700,000 renters in WA.

 

🔎 What are no grounds evictions?

A no grounds eviction is the ability for a landlord to end a tenancy without reason, as long as a 30 day notice period is given for a fixed lease or 60 days for a periodic lease. This means a renter can be asked to vacate a property despite complying with all aspects of their tenancy agreement.

With fewer affordable rentals available on the market, many see the 30 or 60 day notice periods as insufficient, leaving impacted renters without enough time to find an alternative arrangement.

Research by the Make Renting Fair WA alliance found that no grounds evictions have been used as way for landlords to evict renters for discriminatory reasons or due to requests for maintenance or repairs.

Currently, WA and the NT are the only places in Australia where no grounds evictions are still legal.

 

💭 What would an end to no grounds evictions mean for WA renters?

An end to no grounds evictions would mean renters can only be asked to vacate a property for a legitimate reason, such as a serious breach of their tenancy agreement or where a property needs to be reclaimed by the owner.

The change would bring WA in line with most other states and territories, and it would also mean more security and stability for renters, as they could remain in their homes for longer without the constant worry of displacement.

In practical terms, this means renters having the ability to plan ahead, settle into their community, have more certainty over their financial situation, and for families with children to remain in the same catchment zones for schools longer term.


🌻 How can housing security improve mental health and wellbeing?

Currently, 85% of WA renters report being in severe renter stress, and fear of eviction without reason often translates to renters being too scared to exercise their rights and ask for maintenance or negotiate rent increases.

Not only does renter stress and fear of displacement cause significant mental distress, a study by the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute found that housing insecurity can hinder a person’s ability to access support services for an existing mental health challenge, or recover from a period of mental ill-health.

In addition, having a sense of choice and control over housing was shown to positively impact a person’s wellbeing. Having control over our decisions and life outcomes often leads to a greater sense of optimism and life satisfaction.

 

🤝Having the grounds for connection

Housing security is closely linked to a person’s sense of connection.

When we feel connected to our home and our community, we are more likely to access local services, form closer relationships and reach out for support when we need it.

A sense of connection and belonging are harder to achieve if a renter is moving frequently or in constant fear of displacement.

Ending no grounds evictions would give WA renters a greater sense of security and dignity, and enable more people to plan, settle and lead mentally healthy lives.

In turn, this would help build stronger, healthier communities throughout Western Australia.

 

📜 Sources