Clarifying the Relationship between Homelessness and Private Rental Markets in Australia: Capabilities, Risk, Mobility and Geography

Scholars and advocates alike have argued that a lack of affordable private rental housing can precipitate homelessness amongst those at-risk and prolong it for those already homeless. In response, this thesis investigates the relationship between homelessness, risk of homelessness, and private rental markets in Australia with an eye to geography and mobility. The thesis makes three key contributions: a new conceptual model of homelessness using the capabilities approach, a definition of homelessness risk, and greater clarity about the relationship between homelessness, risk and private rental markets in Australia. The findings suggest a range of policy reforms to better prevent and reduce homelessness.