Retiree denied rental applications despite savings to cover ten years of rent
A retiree looking for a rental home to care for his elderly father. Agencies rejected him.
Michael Larkins retired earlier this year to care full-time for his 88-year-old father Mervyn. But he hit a wall in the rental market.
Michael went to six real estate agencies. Most turned him away because he had no current job income.
He had substantial savings, but that didn't change their minds. The Tenants' Union of Tasmania calls this unlawful age discrimination.
The group is pushing for a standardized rental application form. Such forms should be based on ability to pay, not on job status.
Ben Bartl is a lawyer at the union. He notes that Tasmania has many older residents.
This makes the practice especially harmful when some real estate agencies reject applicants. A government discussion paper on modernising rental laws was released earlier this year.
It included a section on standardized applications. Officials said they are working through submissions.
Larkins eventually found help from Jenrew Real Estate in Burnie. He got a property.
- 88
- Father's age
- 6
- Agencies approached
- 10 years of rent
- Savings could cover
- Burnie, Tasmania
- Location of assistance
Why it mattersReal estate agencies may break age discrimination law when they reject applicants just for being retired. This blocks carers from getting homes needed to support family members.
AustraliaTasmania's rental market is excluding older Australians and carers who have the financial means but not current employment, raising questions about whether the state's rental laws provide enough protection.
Corroborated bytheadvocate.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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