Imagine coming home to a place filled with warmth, with all the conveniences to ensure a high quality of living. That’s a dream come true, right?

However, finding a comfortable home to rent at a reasonable price seems to be slipping further out of reach for many, as evidenced by a recent rental listing that left potential tenants and social media users in disbelief.

The listing for a property in Auburn, western Sydney, was advertised as a 'fully renovated' home for a staggering $750 per week.

However, the photos accompanying the ad told a different story, sparking outrage and highlighting the severity of Australia's cost-of-living crisis.

The advertised property was a 613 sqm red brick home with three bedrooms, a 'good kitchen', one bathroom, a private yard, and street parking. Yet, the images revealed a reality far from the idyllic description.

The most shocking detail was the makeshift plumbing, with toilets connected to water via garden hoses running from the bathroom sink.

Photos of a $750 rental have circulated online, showing the property’s run-down state despite fetching for a hefty price. Image Credit: Reddit

This 'disgusting' detail, as described by one commenter, is a stark symbol of the dire situation many Australians face in the current rental market.

The kitchen, which the ad claimed was 'good', appeared to be a relic of a bygone era, with crumbling cabinets, filthy floors, and a smattering of random wall tiles.

The laundry area also seemed neglected, prompting one person to comment that it looked like where you might expect 'live-ins'—unwanted rodents or insects around the area.

The property's condition was so poor that it led to speculation among viewers that the photos were taken before the supposed renovations.

'Imagine what the rooms they didn't show look like,' one comment read.

'”Fully renovated”, is this an April fools?,' another joked.

'That's not a crack house, that's a crack home,' another comment said.

This discrepancy has not gone unnoticed, with many expressing their dismay at the audacity of the price tag for a property in such a state of disrepair.

The outrage over this listing also leads back to a bigger issue: Sydney's growing rental crisis.

According to data from Realestate.com.au, the asking price of $750 per week is $100 above the median for a three-bedroom house in the popular suburb.

Property experts from CoreLogic also share that the median price for Sydney now stands at $745, not including the eastern suburbs that cost around $1000, and Northern Beach properties at a staggering $1170.

With prices skyrocketing and availability dwindling, finding a decent place to live has become a competitive and often disheartening endeavour for many.

It's essential to be vigilant when searching for rental properties. Here are a few tips to protect yourself and ensure you're getting a fair deal:

1. Inspect the Property: Always arrange to inspect the property in person before agreeing to rent. Photos can be deceiving, and it's crucial to see the condition of the home for yourself.
2. Know the Market: Research the average rental prices in the area for similar properties. This knowledge will help you determine if the asking price is reasonable.
3. Read the Fine Print: Carefully review the rental agreement and clarify any terms that seem unclear.
4. Seek Advice: If you're unsure about a listing or a rental agreement, seek advice from a trusted real estate agent or a legal professional.
5. Report Issues: If you encounter a listing that is less than advertised or a landlord with unreasonable demands for occupancy, report it to the relevant authorities or real estate platforms.

As of writing, the Auburn property listing has been revised to include fewer photos of the rental.

However, it serves as a cautionary tale for all renters. The cost-of-living crisis is real, and it's affecting the housing market in ways that can be detrimental to those seeking a place to call home.

Key Takeaways

• An advertisement for a 'fully renovated' home in Auburn sparked outrage for its $750 weekly rent, which is considered overpriced and misleading given the run-down condition of the property.
• The property, advertised as having a 'good kitchen' and other features, was found to have severe maintenance issues, including toilets connected to water via garden hoses.
• Social media users expressed disbelief and shock over the home's condition, with photos of a dirty and outdated interior circulating online.
• The situation indicates Sydney's worsening rental crisis, with prices soaring amid a shortage of adequate and affordable accommodation.

Have you come across similar issues with rented property? How have you managed to find a suitable home? Share your experiences and tips for navigating the rental market in the comments below.

 

[Phillip Giunta]

If this was from a real estate agent please report them. No one should have to live in Such squaller

Yes, There are people suffering. But most don't want to complain, so they carry it within. It's High Time the Government stepped in. To bring in a Law for Agents/Landlords to justify show reason for rent increases!

 

[Phillip Giunta]

The agent will push for higher rents as they get a % of the rent as commission and the landlord will push the rent up as home mortgages go up.

Yes, it's mostly Agents. I know a friend, her Agent wanted to push up the rent of her unit by $100. She said NO, $30 will fine.

 

[IAN3005]

Yes, it's mostly Agents. I know a friend, her Agent wanted to push up the rent of her unit by $100. She said NO, $30 will fine.

She was lucky she was lucky she wasn't turfed out then she would have seen what rents are charged....

 

[Phillip Giunta]

She was lucky she was lucky she wasn't turfed out then she would have seen what rents are charged....

The Landlord/Owner is well aware of the high rents. She made it Clear to the Agent to put the rent up $30 ONLY. There was no talk about being turfed out!