Long term leases could help rental crisis

Published on 28 July 2023

MidCoast Council’s Mayor, Claire Pontin, is appealing to owners of rental properties that are normally let as short term or holiday accommodation, to consider longer term rental agreements rather than short-term leasing to assist in the housing crisis being experienced in the MidCoast.

Mayor Pontin said Council is hearing from local industry and business that the lack of rental accommodation is having an impact on their ability to recruit staff, which is having a knock-on effect on our local economy.

“The lack of housing is slowing growth in the economy, and limiting infrastructure and provision of vital services,” Mayor Pontin explained.

MidCoast Council are appealing to owners of rental properties to consider something new that could potentially ease the demand while in the meantime, more new homes can be built.

MidCoast Mayor, Claire Pontin, suggested the area’s ratepayers and investors contribute to the future of the region by converting short term or holiday accommodation to long-term, two-year leases.

A letter from the Mayor will be included with all rates notices distributed this month to the more than 50,000 property owners in the MidCoast urging consideration of the idea.

“It doesn’t just benefit the rest of the community, there are benefits to those homeowners that currently have short term leases as well.” she said.

“This comes in the form of increased security.

“Families are struggling so much with cost increases and inflation that they be less likely to choose to holiday.

“This would allow for the building industry to catch up a little on the demand in those two years.”

The lack of available housing in the region is causing distress socially and economically so MidCoast Council is calling on those homeowners to consider the alternative option that can benefit everyone.