This Aussie tiny house raises questions on serious health and safety issues
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In the ever-evolving landscape of Australian housing, the tiny house movement has been gaining traction as a symbol of minimalist living and financial freedom.
However, not all tiny homes are created equal, and a recent rental listing has left Aussies in disbelief over its questionable design choices and potential health hazards.
Nestled in the serene outskirts southwest of Brisbane, near Munruben in Queensland, a 20-foot shipping container has been converted into what is advertised as a 'one-bedroom ensuite space’.
At a glance, the concept of a furnished 'tiny house donga' on ‘gated acreage well behind the main house’ might seem like a quaint retreat.
However, upon closer inspection, the property, which commands a rent of $1,400 a month, has raised serious concerns among experts and the public.
The outdoor kitchen, a feature that might initially conjure images of summer barbecues and alfresco dining, is instead a point of contention.
Property lawyer Monica Rouvellas expressed her worries, stating, 'The outdoor kitchen and the bathroom situation would perhaps indicate that this property is not compliant with the council.'
‘I would be concerned about the tenant’s health and safety with having an outdoor kitchen as their only kitchen, which is different to having a covered and well-designed outdoor BBQ/kitchen area.’
Photos of the property reveal a long kitchen bench with a fridge and barbecue on the veranda, but the absence of a stovetop or oven raises questions about the practicality of cooking meals, especially during inclement weather.
The concerns don't end there; the laundry area, with its washing machine and sink, is precariously positioned near an air conditioning unit on a narrow verandah, hinting at potential safety risks.
The interior of the tiny house presents an even more startling sight.
A tiny, clear glass-walled bathroom sits in the middle of the room, adjacent to the bed, offering no privacy whatsoever.
This unconventional setup has been met with ridicule and disbelief.
In her rental review video, social media personality Rach McQueen highlighted the absurdity of the 'bathroom in a glass box' where tenants could be ‘staring at the toilet 24/7 as it is right at the foot of your bed’, the outdoor kitchen, and the lack of power points.
‘It would appear that this place has been rented out, so it is a shame to see that their attempt to profiteer off people’s desperation during this crisis has been successful,’ she said.
‘This place is going to be freezing in the middle of winter, so how pleasant will it be to be outside here grabbing a drink from the fridge or preparing a meal in the depths of winter.’
The property's listing, which suggested it is suitable for a 'single mature person', has already been marked as 'sold,' indicating that despite its flaws, someone has agreed to rent it.
Legal experts like Rouvellas remind us that ‘a converted container can be legal if it has met council requirements for a second dwelling or granny flat’.
However, the key issue is whether this particular property has received council approval.
‘For short fixed or period leases, tenants are not required to do any due diligence, so unless a tenant inquires with the local council, they will not really know if the property is council approved.’
The Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) has weighed in, stating that properties must receive development and building approval and adhere to all health and safety regulations, including Queensland's new minimum housing standards.
‘Minimum housing standards include ensuring the property is weatherproof and structurally sound, provides adequate plumbing and drainage, includes the necessary fixtures for a functional laundry and a functioning cooktop, if a kitchen is provided,’ the spokesperson said.
Furthermore, rental properties must be in good repair, with fixtures and fittings that are safe for normal use and provide privacy in bathroom areas.
‘If a customer believes a property manager or owner hasn’t met their legal obligations, they can request the RTA investigates the matter,’ the spokesperson added.
You can watch Rach McQueen’s video below:
Credit: @rachmcqueen1 / TikTok
In a similar story, a property listing in western Sydney was considered overpriced and misleading, given the condition of the property.
What did the advertisement look like? You can read more about the story here.
Have you encountered any unusual or concerning rental properties? Share your experiences with us in the comments below!
However, not all tiny homes are created equal, and a recent rental listing has left Aussies in disbelief over its questionable design choices and potential health hazards.
Nestled in the serene outskirts southwest of Brisbane, near Munruben in Queensland, a 20-foot shipping container has been converted into what is advertised as a 'one-bedroom ensuite space’.
At a glance, the concept of a furnished 'tiny house donga' on ‘gated acreage well behind the main house’ might seem like a quaint retreat.
However, upon closer inspection, the property, which commands a rent of $1,400 a month, has raised serious concerns among experts and the public.
A property sold for $1,400 monthly was described as a converted 20-foot container. Credit: @rachmcqueen1 / TikTok
The outdoor kitchen, a feature that might initially conjure images of summer barbecues and alfresco dining, is instead a point of contention.
Property lawyer Monica Rouvellas expressed her worries, stating, 'The outdoor kitchen and the bathroom situation would perhaps indicate that this property is not compliant with the council.'
‘I would be concerned about the tenant’s health and safety with having an outdoor kitchen as their only kitchen, which is different to having a covered and well-designed outdoor BBQ/kitchen area.’
Photos of the property reveal a long kitchen bench with a fridge and barbecue on the veranda, but the absence of a stovetop or oven raises questions about the practicality of cooking meals, especially during inclement weather.
The concerns don't end there; the laundry area, with its washing machine and sink, is precariously positioned near an air conditioning unit on a narrow verandah, hinting at potential safety risks.
The interior of the tiny house presents an even more startling sight.
A tiny, clear glass-walled bathroom sits in the middle of the room, adjacent to the bed, offering no privacy whatsoever.
This unconventional setup has been met with ridicule and disbelief.
In her rental review video, social media personality Rach McQueen highlighted the absurdity of the 'bathroom in a glass box' where tenants could be ‘staring at the toilet 24/7 as it is right at the foot of your bed’, the outdoor kitchen, and the lack of power points.
‘It would appear that this place has been rented out, so it is a shame to see that their attempt to profiteer off people’s desperation during this crisis has been successful,’ she said.
‘This place is going to be freezing in the middle of winter, so how pleasant will it be to be outside here grabbing a drink from the fridge or preparing a meal in the depths of winter.’
The property's listing, which suggested it is suitable for a 'single mature person', has already been marked as 'sold,' indicating that despite its flaws, someone has agreed to rent it.
Legal experts like Rouvellas remind us that ‘a converted container can be legal if it has met council requirements for a second dwelling or granny flat’.
However, the key issue is whether this particular property has received council approval.
‘For short fixed or period leases, tenants are not required to do any due diligence, so unless a tenant inquires with the local council, they will not really know if the property is council approved.’
The Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) has weighed in, stating that properties must receive development and building approval and adhere to all health and safety regulations, including Queensland's new minimum housing standards.
‘Minimum housing standards include ensuring the property is weatherproof and structurally sound, provides adequate plumbing and drainage, includes the necessary fixtures for a functional laundry and a functioning cooktop, if a kitchen is provided,’ the spokesperson said.
Furthermore, rental properties must be in good repair, with fixtures and fittings that are safe for normal use and provide privacy in bathroom areas.
‘If a customer believes a property manager or owner hasn’t met their legal obligations, they can request the RTA investigates the matter,’ the spokesperson added.
You can watch Rach McQueen’s video below:
Credit: @rachmcqueen1 / TikTok
In a similar story, a property listing in western Sydney was considered overpriced and misleading, given the condition of the property.
What did the advertisement look like? You can read more about the story here.
