Real estate agency slammed for 'audacious' letter to landlords
A real estate agent based in the affluent suburbs of northern Sydney has sparked a furious response on social media after writing to landlords, suggesting the rent they are charging tenants is too low.
In an apparent letterbox drop, the agent sent a smiling card offering landlords a three-minute rent appraisal.
"Landlords, rents are at a new level. Is yours too low?" it reads.
The recipients were urged to SMS the agent, who provided her mobile number, who would then respond within three minutes if they could charge more.
While tenants can only have their rent increased once every 12 months in NSW, there is no limit on the amount of the increase (however renters can appeal to a tribunal within 30 days of notice if they think it is excessive).
Behind Canberra, Sydney has the second highest median rent in the country at $679 per week – a figure that has risen by 11.4 per cent over the past 12 months, according to a January report by CoreLogic.
With near record low vacancy rates, tight rental markets in cities across the country have led to huge queues at housing inspections and countless stories of hardship among renters and those looking for a place to live. So much so that it has become a major political issue, with the Greens hoping to capitalise on the growing problem on Tuesday by calling for a freeze to rent rises in NSW, and an independent body to stop landlords jacking up prices.
Launching its rental policy yesterday, the Greens said the state's rental sector was "cooked" and in need of urgent reform.
Greens housing spokeswoman Jenny Leong said the proposed controls would be tied to inflation and cost of living pressures under the party's plan. "Without rent freezes, rent caps and rent controls, rents will just continue to rise unchecked and renters will not be able to afford a place to live — and be subjected to more and more financial stress," she said.
Fiery response to landlord advertisement: 'Makes my blood boil'
The letterbox drop in northern Sydney was conducted by Novak Properties which describes itself as one of the country’s largest, independently owned real estate firms. It was quickly shared on Facebook and Twitter where it prompted a flood of comments, overwhelmingly from angry Australians.
Yahoo News Australia contacted the agent who declined to comment.
"This is why people can’t get ahead … just makes my blood boil," one person wrote, sharing a photo of the leaflet to Facebook.
"This makes me physically sick," one user commented, while others suggested spamming the mobile number with their thoughts. One Facebook user even shared a screenshot of an abusive text they allegedly sent to the agent.
A fiery response also played out on Twitter and Reddit on Tuesday night after the leaflet was shared.
"Almost gotta respect the audacity to stick your name, photo and mobile number on this flyer in a housing & cost of living crisis," one Twitter user said. Meanwhile Reddit, with a high proportion of young people, was awash with angry comments.
with AAP
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