Murdoch Village’s Rent Increase a Problem for Students

By Jannah Lam Murdoch University’s Student Guild fears rent increases as high as $50 a month next year at the campus village could pose a problem for students. Guild President Roland Belford said village rents were now much higher than when he lived there as a student. “I’m looking at the prices now and they’re completely absurd. “When I lived in the village in 2006, it was 90 dollars a week for a single in a five bedroom apartment,” he said. Murdoch University Village, MUV, claims that the rent increases are calculated using the increase in CPI as a reference. Mr Belford said in eight years rent for a five bedroom apartment appears to have more than doubled. For students who have to pay their own rent, the increase will have a significant impact. “It’s really going to hurt them,” said Mr Belford. “Because if a student who is living off Centrelink is paying $400 rent a fortnight and they’re only getting $500 a fortnight, they only have $50 to live off each week. That is extremely difficult.” For 19-year-old international student Ophelie Maraval, living in the village was a very good platform for socialising and meeting new people – especially when she first moved to Perth. But after a year, she believed the rent wasn’t worth it as internet and laundry fees weren’t included. “Outside, you can find a much better place much cheaper with internet, laundry and utility fees included,” she said. An employee of the MUV, who wishes to remain anonymous, believes the increase in rent is uncalled for as most off-campus accommodation is cheaper. “The difference that we pay for staying in the village amounts to the security, the proximity to university, and events that the village organises,” said the employee. “On the latter factor, the standard of events are pretty subpar, and sometimes do not justify such a high amount of rent.” Murdoch University Village declined to comment on the issue.