Is it LEGAL? See why people are furious about this $400 'shanty town' rental!
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At the Seniors Discount Club, we understand that finding a decent and affordable rental property can be vital, especially for those on a fixed income or looking to downsize. However, sometimes the competitiveness of the rental market can lead to some rather questionable options. We've stumbled upon one that has left people particularly furious and exasperated!
A recent rental listing posted on Facebook featuring two caravans in Mullumbimby, northern NSW, surrounded by beautiful forest and nature, might look like an ideal escape for nature lovers, but it came with an eyebrow-raising price tag of $400 a week (later reduced to $350).
At first glance, some might see this set-up as an idyllic retreat for a nature-loving couple or single person. The post describes the property as having lots of 'open space' living and a 'fully equipped kitchen.' But critics quickly found a host of reasons to be outraged…
One particularly irate Tiktok user, Rach McQueen, took it upon herself to show the world just what kind of things people were being subjected to during Australia's housing crisis. She dubbed the property a 'shanty town,' blasting the landlord for 'greed and profiteering.'
What infuriated critics the most was not only that the kitchen and living room were outside but also the shower—an 'amazing hot water shower' with an undefined 'proper' bathroom, if one existed at all.
Photos revealed the two caravans were perched under a tin roof with only weather-proof tarps in place instead of permanent walls. The original $400 rent asked for by the landlord also did not include any utilities or bills as part of the price.
Rach McQueen slammed several details of the property in her video, including her concerns about the makeshift kitchen with a gas cooktop surrounded by wooden materials, which she believes poses a serious fire risk.
'You can get a little apartment in a city for $400 a week. This is a shanty town,' said Rach, who has gained a following for her tirades about over-priced Aussie rentals. She accused the landlord of capitalising on people who were displaced from their homes during last year's floods in the area.
Social media users were quick to join the outrage, with many questioning the legality of the rental property. One commenter called for the landlord to be 'dragged out into the street and educated.'
Dear members, we understand the challenges of rising rental prices, and we firmly believe that everyone deserves a safe, secure, and comfortable home. In light of this, we urge you not to settle for subpar housing and to remain vigilant by reporting any questionable listings.
We are here to support and assist one another. If you encounter any rental properties that raise concerns or resemble "shantytown" arrangements, we encourage you to share them with us. By doing so, we can collectively protect our community from unfair deals.
Members, have you ever encountered or reported a questionable rental listing? Share your experiences and tips for identifying and reporting such listings to help others navigate the rental market more effectively!
A recent rental listing posted on Facebook featuring two caravans in Mullumbimby, northern NSW, surrounded by beautiful forest and nature, might look like an ideal escape for nature lovers, but it came with an eyebrow-raising price tag of $400 a week (later reduced to $350).
There have been listings for two charming caravans located in the picturesque Wilson's Creek, Mullumbimby, available for rent at an eye-watering price of $400 per week. Source: Facebook
At first glance, some might see this set-up as an idyllic retreat for a nature-loving couple or single person. The post describes the property as having lots of 'open space' living and a 'fully equipped kitchen.' But critics quickly found a host of reasons to be outraged…
One particularly irate Tiktok user, Rach McQueen, took it upon herself to show the world just what kind of things people were being subjected to during Australia's housing crisis. She dubbed the property a 'shanty town,' blasting the landlord for 'greed and profiteering.'
What infuriated critics the most was not only that the kitchen and living room were outside but also the shower—an 'amazing hot water shower' with an undefined 'proper' bathroom, if one existed at all.
In a ‘unique’ twist, the shower, kitchen, and lounge room of these two caravans in Wilson's Creek, Mullumbimby, have been designed to be situated outdoors. Source: Facebook
Photos revealed the two caravans were perched under a tin roof with only weather-proof tarps in place instead of permanent walls. The original $400 rent asked for by the landlord also did not include any utilities or bills as part of the price.
Rach McQueen slammed several details of the property in her video, including her concerns about the makeshift kitchen with a gas cooktop surrounded by wooden materials, which she believes poses a serious fire risk.
'You can get a little apartment in a city for $400 a week. This is a shanty town,' said Rach, who has gained a following for her tirades about over-priced Aussie rentals. She accused the landlord of capitalising on people who were displaced from their homes during last year's floods in the area.
Social media users were quick to join the outrage, with many questioning the legality of the rental property. One commenter called for the landlord to be 'dragged out into the street and educated.'
Tips for Finding a Safe and Secure Rental Property
- Know Your Rights:
- Research tenancy laws and regulations in your state or territory.
- Familiarise yourself with your rights as a tenant before signing any lease agreement.
- Property Inspection:
- Prioritise inspecting the property before signing any agreement.
- Look out for safety issues or potential hazards, such as inadequate wiring or fire hazards.
- Understand Documents:
- Never sign any document if you don't understand its contents.
- Seek clarification and ask for assistance if needed.
- Rental Price:
- Avoid offering to pay more than the asking rental price, even if it includes bills or extras.
- Seek Advice:
- Consult trusted individuals for advice and guidance regarding potential rentals.
- Leverage the support of our community to help one another.
Dear members, we understand the challenges of rising rental prices, and we firmly believe that everyone deserves a safe, secure, and comfortable home. In light of this, we urge you not to settle for subpar housing and to remain vigilant by reporting any questionable listings.
We are here to support and assist one another. If you encounter any rental properties that raise concerns or resemble "shantytown" arrangements, we encourage you to share them with us. By doing so, we can collectively protect our community from unfair deals.
Members, have you ever encountered or reported a questionable rental listing? Share your experiences and tips for identifying and reporting such listings to help others navigate the rental market more effectively!
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