Pensioner draws flak after offering one unusual living solution for $125: 'I'd rather be set up under the overpass'
- Replies 13
In the face of Australia's relentless housing crisis, creativity and resourcefulness have become the new currency for those seeking shelter.
However, when does ingenuity cross the line into exploitation?
Many Aussies ask this question after a pensioner's unconventional rental offer sparked a heated debate.
A Tasmanian disability pensioner, Mark, offered a housing solution that some might find hard to believe: a camping tent in his backyard for $125 a week.
The rental, which he dubbed as an 'emergency accommodation for a single person' in an advert, turned heads and stirred controversy.
The four-person tent is located in Risdon Vale and does not come with any additional bills and food.
Some Australians labelled Mark's offer as 'shameless'.
'I'd rather be set up under the overpass along the highway than pay some f****** $125 for the pleasure of their freezing backyard,' another lamented.
Another called the situation 'shameful', comparing it unfavourably to someone charging a pet sitter to care for their pet.
Mark, who also pays $450 a week in rent, is no stranger to opening his home to those in need.
With seven people currently living with him—including homeless individuals and ex-prisoners—Mark's history of generosity is well-documented.
'Many times, I have supported people totally who have no finances,' he shared.
'One bloke was here for two years and did not pay anything. I've been stolen from and physically abused by people with anger issues.'
Beyond the tent, Mark also has a refurbished tin shed and a caravan, which currently houses a woman who formerly lived outside Kmart.
'I'm trying to do my bit,' he shared.
'If people went to the showgrounds, they would be charged $40 or more a night.'
A friend of Mark, who posted the tent offer online, defended him against accusations of profiteering.
They stated that Mark 'knows people are struggling' and is 'not trying to make a buck' from anyone.
According to the Tenants' Union of Tasmania, renters around the area are paying $7,000 more annually than they did five years ago.
Rent prices within the area also rose ten times faster than income support payments.
This paints a picture seen across Australia.
CoreLogic data also suggested that the median rent prices hit a record high of $627 a week last April.
In other cities like Brisbane, keeping people off the streets has been an ongoing challenge for their local councils.
As we navigate these difficult times, let's continue to support one another and advocate for sustainable, humane solutions to the housing crisis.
Whether it's through community initiatives, policy changes, or personal acts of kindness, every effort counts towards building a future where everyone has a place to call home.
What are your thoughts on Mark's tent rental? Is it a creative solution to a growing problem, or does it cross a line? Share your stories and thoughts with us in the comments below.
However, when does ingenuity cross the line into exploitation?
Many Aussies ask this question after a pensioner's unconventional rental offer sparked a heated debate.
A Tasmanian disability pensioner, Mark, offered a housing solution that some might find hard to believe: a camping tent in his backyard for $125 a week.
The rental, which he dubbed as an 'emergency accommodation for a single person' in an advert, turned heads and stirred controversy.
The four-person tent is located in Risdon Vale and does not come with any additional bills and food.
Mark's $125-a-week tent rental could be an emergency accommodation to anyone short of money. Image Credit: Pexels/Vlad Bagacian
Some Australians labelled Mark's offer as 'shameless'.
'I'd rather be set up under the overpass along the highway than pay some f****** $125 for the pleasure of their freezing backyard,' another lamented.
Another called the situation 'shameful', comparing it unfavourably to someone charging a pet sitter to care for their pet.
Mark, who also pays $450 a week in rent, is no stranger to opening his home to those in need.
With seven people currently living with him—including homeless individuals and ex-prisoners—Mark's history of generosity is well-documented.
'Many times, I have supported people totally who have no finances,' he shared.
'One bloke was here for two years and did not pay anything. I've been stolen from and physically abused by people with anger issues.'
Beyond the tent, Mark also has a refurbished tin shed and a caravan, which currently houses a woman who formerly lived outside Kmart.
'I'm trying to do my bit,' he shared.
'If people went to the showgrounds, they would be charged $40 or more a night.'
A friend of Mark, who posted the tent offer online, defended him against accusations of profiteering.
They stated that Mark 'knows people are struggling' and is 'not trying to make a buck' from anyone.
According to the Tenants' Union of Tasmania, renters around the area are paying $7,000 more annually than they did five years ago.
Rent prices within the area also rose ten times faster than income support payments.
This paints a picture seen across Australia.
CoreLogic data also suggested that the median rent prices hit a record high of $627 a week last April.
In other cities like Brisbane, keeping people off the streets has been an ongoing challenge for their local councils.
As we navigate these difficult times, let's continue to support one another and advocate for sustainable, humane solutions to the housing crisis.
Whether it's through community initiatives, policy changes, or personal acts of kindness, every effort counts towards building a future where everyone has a place to call home.
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