Father-of-two battling cancer could be forced to live in his car

A dad from WA, who is battling cancer, could be forced to live in his car with his family as Perth's rental crisis hits a shameful new record.

Harry Slabbers was diagnosed with stage four liver and bowel cancer just 18 months ago.

In the next three weeks, the father and his family will be kicked out of their Mandurah home.

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Rather than focusing on finding a home, the dad should be preparing for his major surgery on April 18.

"Every viewing I go to, there's 20 other families there every time," he said.

"My option is to sleep in the four-wheel drive."

Tenants are facing the toughest market Perth's ever seen with few vacancies and the cost to rent a home soaring to a new record high.

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In 12 months on average renting a house in Perth has increased by almost 15 per cent or around $70 dollars a week, while units have jumped 12.5 per cent.

The biggest hikes are in the city's western suburbs including Shenton Park which has increased up to 23 per cent, followed by Jolimont at 17.6 per cent as well as Subiaco and Wembley at 15.6 per cent.

The outlook is bleak, according to Domain chief of economics and research Dr Nicola Powell.

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"It is cheaper to rent a house in Melbourne than it is in Perth," Dr Powell said.

"One of the big issues is changes we've seen particularly in recent months is the increase in overseas migration, most people arriving from overseas do rent upon arrival and that weighs heavily in on our rental markets."

The ultra-tight market expected to get worse before it gets better, which will leave tenants struggling and families like the Slabbers in need of help.

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