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How can we improve rooming house regulation?
A preliminary research paper (secondary data analysis, interviews and focus groups with policy community) helped inform this Investigative Panel. Two panel meetings were held in New South Wales and Victoria and comprised local and state government representatives, NGOs, rooming house owners and researchers.
While data about the rooming house sector is limited in both jurisdictions, the study found there were distinct market segments, including those catering to the most disadvantaged (e.g. traditional rooming houses and Assisted Boarding Houses in NSW), and other types that cater for a mixed clientele of students and vulnerable groups (e.g. student rooming houses, upgraded traditional rooming houses and small suburban rooming houses).
Regulatory systems are now more 'de-centred' than in the past, and the panel advocated the trend of state governments taking responsibility for regulating boarding houses, while local governments retained operational responsibilities. However, there was a need for improved coordination between these jurisdictions, and increased coverage of unregulated boarding houses. The panel also advocated the creation of a consultative council on rooming houses to review regulation and direct policy development.
Most regulations took into account risks like fire hazards, and the introduction of minimum standards in 2012 in Victoria has improved amenity of accommodation. But other risks such as exposure to being the victim of criminal activities and behaviours consequent to mental health conditions are not considered, even though government agencies contribute to unsafe environments by discharging people from institutions into such accommodation.
A strategy is required to improve standards to make a difference to safety and quality of life. Priority needs to go to market segments where there are vulnerable residents. Regulation needs to have clear objectives and regular assessment its performance, take into account the costs of administering the regulation and provide financial incentives for good outcomes.
