Mullumbilly rental property slammed online
A social media influencer shared her disappointment with the announcement of a $400-a-week “mobile home” rental in Mullumbimby in northern New South Wales.
Listed on the Facebook marketplace, there are two caravans “surrounded by beautiful forest and nature”, with “open space” and “a fully equipped kitchen”.
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TikTok influencer Rach McQueen was skeptical.
“No, your eyes didn’t deceive you,” she began in her video.
“It looks like some kind of shantytown, and no, your eyes don’t deceive you either when you see the $400 figure right there.”
The images show two caravans under a tin roof in the bush, with black tarpaulins draped over the sides instead of walls.
The quaint property is best suited for a “nice and clean nature-loving couple, one or two good friends,” according to the post, however, pets are strictly prohibited.
“Even though this $400-a-week shanty town, not including bills, doesn’t even look habitable for people, you also can’t even have pets,” McQueen protested.
“What worries me the most about this makeshift kitchen in the middle of the bushes is that it looks like a gas stove surrounded by all this wooden shit.
“You can get a small apartment in the city for $400 a week. These are slums.”
Other tenants shared their frustration and distrust.
– Is it even legal? one person said.
“I know the housing crisis here in the US is terrible, but HONEST, are you guys okay there?” added the American.
“This is such a joke,” said a third.
Mullumbimby was one of the hardest hit areas during last year’s floods, leaving many locals homeless.
Due to flooding and ever higher rental prices, Byronshire has one of the highest rates of homelessness in New South Wales, according to The Guardian.
The revised listing of properties marked “pending” appears to have lowered the price to $350, not including bills.
Byron Shire Council said it had “no recent reports of illegal lease of this structure in the Wilsons Creek area” but added that it would be investigating.
Explanation of building standards
According to Fair Trading NSW, a set of minimum standards are applied to all rental properties to ensure they are suitable for living.
NSW Fair Trading told 7NEWS.com.au that “Prospective tenants interested in renting a property should request confirmation from a real estate agent or landlord to confirm that the building complies with relevant regulations and is approved for habitation.”
“Local councils as the housing planning authority should also be approached for confirmation of compliance if concerns exist,” they added.
7NEWS.com.au has reached out to Byron Shire Council and the homeowner for further comment.
