Vic tenants struggle to keep up with rent

Victorian wages are failing to keep pace with skyrocketing property rents, with tenants ploughing an increasing portion of their income into keeping a roof over their heads, a new study shows.

Average rent growth has outstripped wage growth by 35 per cent according to a Victorian Council of Social Service study released on Tuesday.

Renters are often the "forgotten victims" of a housing market crisis as they have "little choice but to pay astronomical rental prices", council boss Emma King said.

"This is happening just as people are being shut out from home ownership and are renting for longer."

Ms King has called for stronger rights for renters across Victoria, including revised eviction guidelines.