Renters must be better supported to ensure they don't become homeless due to the coronavirus pandemic, an advocate group has urged.
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Better Renting's latest report looks at rental negotiation data, finding five to 15 per cent of tenants may be in rental debt and could be at risk of eviction when moratoriums lift.
It equates to between 324,000 and 973,000 people who could be evicted.
Better Renting wants governments to step in to buy the debts and tear them up.
"Governments have a responsibility to ensure that people aren't losing their home because of the economic impact of COVID-19," the group's executive director Joel Dignam said.
"Keeping renters secure in their homes over coming months is essential to help our community stay strong and recover from the impact of coronavirus on our society."
The report also flagged concerns for renters who have avoided rental debt only by opting for other debts such as credit cards, as well as those who are at risk of running out of savings and may soon owe money.
Governments announced eviction moratoriums at the start of the health crisis to prevent Australians being kicked out of their homes as multiple industries were shut down.
Western Australia, NSW, Victoria and South Australia have extended their moratoriums until March next year, while Tasmania's will end in December.
Queensland's has expired, while the NT didn't introduce one.
Australian Associated Press