Outrage as Aussie offers backyard for $130 rent: 'Absolutely shocked'
The Sydney man was slammed for 'taking advantage' of the dire state of Australia's rental market.
A hopeful landlord has been criticised for "taking advantage of a miserable situation" after offering up his backyard for rent during the ongoing housing crisis.
One section of the man's backyard in Eagle Vale, in Sydney’s southwest, has been advertised on Facebook Marketplace for $130 a week, with renters encouraged to bring their own tent or "small shed".
The man boasted that the property was in a "residential area, close to public transport and shops" and "power, water, Wi-Fi, toilets and showers" can also be made available to the right person upon discussion, he said. The male poster said he was looking for a short-term tenant only and would require a "$520 bond and two weeks of rent in advance".
The ad was shared on a Facebook group by a Cobbity woman who took aim at the dire state of the Aussie rental market. "I don’t know if I’m supposed to laugh or cry!! This is what it’s come to, the rental market has really gone to S**T," she wrote.
Responding to comments, the woman said it's "sad how low some people can go to make a buck".
"If [you're] happy to loan your backyard to someone in that situation then you shouldn’t be charging a cent. If life has become that hard for someone they have to set up a tent in someone’s backyard then wouldn’t you think they are doing it hard enough?" she fumed.
Facebook rental ad highlights 'outrageous greed'
Others joined in on the woman's tirade with one saying they were "absolutely shocked" after seeing the ad. Another said it shows "outrageous greed" with some saying it's "ridiculous".
Many questioned why the man would need to charge a bond, especially such a pricey one. Others fumed that basic necessities, such as a toilet and shower, weren't included in the price.
"All of those things should be included for that price. What a joke," one raged. "How ridiculous.. where are they supposed to go to the loo, a hole in the ground?" another shared.
Others addressed the legality of the man's rental ad. Yahoo News Australia was not able to verify the listing and has contacted Campbelltown City Council for comment.
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