A sublet listing in South Coogee has raised the alarm after a social media post revealed the cramped conditions of a $95-per-week room in a shared house with nine other tenants, prompting questions about its legality and safety.
Living Conditions Questioned
The room, advertised as a “spacious double” with storage space, appears to be a converted wardrobe or basement. A single image of the room was shared online, showing an unmade bed beneath a visible sewage pipe, raising eyebrows on Reddit, where users described the space as cramped and unsanitary.
One commenter sarcastically remarked, “Looks like the bed is in the built-in wardrobe,”while another noted that the space resembled a basement storage unit, suggesting that sleeping there would involve listening to the sounds of toilets flushing overhead.
Despite its questionable condition, some pointed out that at $95 per week including bills, the price is significantly cheaper than most available rooms in Coogee.
“For $95 in Coogee, whoever jumps on that won’t care in the slightest,” said one user, reflecting the tough rental market that forces people into less-than-ideal accommodations.
Safety and Legal Concerns
The Tenants’ Union of NSW expressed concerns about the living conditions and legality of the rental. They noted that the room may not meet minimum lighting, ventilation, and privacy rental standards.
According to NSW laws, rental spaces must provide adequate facilities, such as power outlets and access to a bathroom with sufficient privacy. With nine other tenants in the house, it is unclear if it can adequately support this many people.
Moreover, the union highlighted the importance of ensuring subletting is legal and approved by the head tenant. If the head tenant has yet to receive permission from the landlord to sublet the room, any lease agreements between the tenant and subtenants could be invalid.
Public Reaction and Further Advice
Public reaction to the listing has been a mix of humour and frustration. While some Reddit users joked about the poor quality of the room, others expressed concern over the desperation of renters in Sydney’s overheated market.
“If it wasn’t preying on people’s desperation, it would be funny,” one user commented.
The Tenants’ Union advises renters to thoroughly investigate rental listings before committing. Prospective tenants should ensure the property meets safety and legal requirements, check for adequate lighting, ventilation, and privacy, and confirm the legality of subletting arrangements to avoid potential issues down the line.
Published 11-Oct-2024
