Is this 'free' room too good to be true? The shocking condition behind this rental ad exposed
- Replies 15
We’re no strangers to the ups and downs of today's rental market. We know how expensive rent can be in many parts of the country and that many people often struggle to find an affordable place to call home.
So, when a mother living in rural Victoria posted an advertisement on Facebook Marketplace offering a 'free room', many were intrigued.
On the surface, what the woman—named Adéle—was offering seemed too good to be true. A closer inspection of the ad, however, soon revealed why she was offering her house's spare bedroom for free.
The advertisement, posted with photos, stated: ‘Someone can look after a baby three days a week. Rent and charge will be free, only food will need to be provided by yourself.’
The post received numerous criticisms from social media users, with some people claiming that the conditions were 'exploitative'.
‘Terrible post and not considering the safety of a child,’ someone wrote.
Others have suggested that she should look through a ‘proper nanny agency’, and some even sent her private messages calling her names.
Adéle, a 29-year-old woman from France, confirmed that the ad seeks help caring for her six-month-old baby.
‘It's kind of an au pair [situation],’ she explained.
‘We didn't ask for any money for the room, gas, electricity or water, but for help to look after our baby, three days a week. Around 9 a.m. to 4 p.m maximum. We think it can help someone find a place to stay, and it also can help us. We think it's fair enough,’ she added.
Adéle shared that she has been living in Australia for only a year with her husband, 12-year-old daughter and baby and that she didn’t know about au pair agencies.
When asked if she’ll ask the tenant to provide a police and working with children check, she said, ‘Of course’.
A spokesperson for the Fair Work Ombudsman stated that the law is a little hazy when it comes to hiring au pairs, saying that their employment status ‘will depend on the individual relationship’.
Their website claimed that ‘like live-in employees, working long hours as a child carer for the family, some au pairs aren't in an employment arrangement’, which allow parties involved to decide on the payment terms.
But is it a fair deal?
Some people said, 'the hourly rate for a babysitter for three full days would equate to more than a single room in someone's house per week’, while others simply called it 'a rip off'.
The average hourly rate for childcare workers in Australia is $30.51, according to Talent International. A seven-hour shift would amount to $640.71.
Meanwhile, room prices in Sunbury could cost anywhere between $200 to $300 per week.
On the other hand, others believed that what she was offering was fair. One person wrote, ‘Nothing wrong with that offer, people need to stop complaining about everything.’
Some people even suggested it is ‘perfect’ for a student or an au pair.
What do you think about the offer, members? Do you believe it’s a fair deal? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
So, when a mother living in rural Victoria posted an advertisement on Facebook Marketplace offering a 'free room', many were intrigued.
On the surface, what the woman—named Adéle—was offering seemed too good to be true. A closer inspection of the ad, however, soon revealed why she was offering her house's spare bedroom for free.
The advertisement, posted with photos, stated: ‘Someone can look after a baby three days a week. Rent and charge will be free, only food will need to be provided by yourself.’
A mum living in Victoria has faced online backlash after releasing a 'free room' rental ad with the requirement that the tenant look after her six-month-old baby three days a week. Credit: Facebook
The post received numerous criticisms from social media users, with some people claiming that the conditions were 'exploitative'.
‘Terrible post and not considering the safety of a child,’ someone wrote.
Others have suggested that she should look through a ‘proper nanny agency’, and some even sent her private messages calling her names.
Adéle, a 29-year-old woman from France, confirmed that the ad seeks help caring for her six-month-old baby.
‘It's kind of an au pair [situation],’ she explained.
‘We didn't ask for any money for the room, gas, electricity or water, but for help to look after our baby, three days a week. Around 9 a.m. to 4 p.m maximum. We think it can help someone find a place to stay, and it also can help us. We think it's fair enough,’ she added.
Adéle shared that she has been living in Australia for only a year with her husband, 12-year-old daughter and baby and that she didn’t know about au pair agencies.
When asked if she’ll ask the tenant to provide a police and working with children check, she said, ‘Of course’.
A spokesperson for the Fair Work Ombudsman stated that the law is a little hazy when it comes to hiring au pairs, saying that their employment status ‘will depend on the individual relationship’.
Their website claimed that ‘like live-in employees, working long hours as a child carer for the family, some au pairs aren't in an employment arrangement’, which allow parties involved to decide on the payment terms.
But is it a fair deal?
Some people said, 'the hourly rate for a babysitter for three full days would equate to more than a single room in someone's house per week’, while others simply called it 'a rip off'.
The average hourly rate for childcare workers in Australia is $30.51, according to Talent International. A seven-hour shift would amount to $640.71.
Meanwhile, room prices in Sunbury could cost anywhere between $200 to $300 per week.
On the other hand, others believed that what she was offering was fair. One person wrote, ‘Nothing wrong with that offer, people need to stop complaining about everything.’
Some people even suggested it is ‘perfect’ for a student or an au pair.
What do you think about the offer, members? Do you believe it’s a fair deal? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
.png){kind=icon}
