VOICE OF BYRON regular, Sorcha Heart shared this Sydney Morning Herald opinion piece because it has so much relevance to people living in Byron Shire.
Sorcha says, “Firstly, let’s get rid of the term Landlord.
“Investment property owners should think of themselves, instead, as ‘housing service providers’.
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“After all, we have internet service providers in this country, not ‘cablelords’.”
Sydney Morning Herald columnist Jessica Irvine says, “The astounding finding that home-owning adults will soon be in the minority marks an important tipping point and demands a change to prevailing attitudes about renters and landlords.”
Lower home ownership is not itself a cause for concern. Many countries, Germany being the best example, combine high living standards, vibrant economies and a low home ownership rate.
Housing should satisfy a basic human need for shelter and security. It should suit the needs of each individual. Whether that is achieved by owning, or renting, should not matter.
Renters deserve the same sense of “ontological security” as home owners: the security and peace of mind that a home brings and a sense of belonging to a certain place and community.
Renters also deserve the same opportunity to build their savings in a tax-preferred way.
In reality, we have a system that divides people into haves and have-nots by property ownership, that gives too much tax incentive to property ownership, rather than alternative vehicles for wealth accumulation like cash and shares.
We need a revolution in renters rights.
First up, the term “landlord” needs to get it in the neck. The language implies something altogether too feudal. I am lord of this land, and you shall exist here at my pleasure. Read The Sydney Morning Herald’s full story here.
Story by The Sydney Morning Herald.