The Struggles of a Family Seeking Affordable Housing
Gemma, a mother of four, has faced continuous rejection when trying to find a suitable rental property for her family. She and her partner, Jeremy, have four children under the age of four and a dog. Their situation became even more challenging when their four-bedroom home in Geelong, southwest of Melbourne, was affected by a mould infestation, forcing them to move out.
The couple applied for 12 rental properties but were rejected by all of them. Gemma was surprised to later discover that many of the homes they had applied for remained vacant for months after their applications.
“I understand that landlords have the choice between multiple applicants and can choose who they prefer,” she said. “However, my main concern was that they weren’t accepting anyone. I never imagined people would build family-sized houses and then deny families a home.”
Gemma shared her story on TikTok, highlighting the difficulties she faced in securing a rental. Her video criticized landlords for being overly selective when choosing tenants. However, she did not receive much support from the community, with some landlords defending their decisions not to rent to large families with pets.
One landlord explained, “It’s not worth the risk because of damage to the building like walls, floors and the backyard.” Another added, “You only pay four weeks bond and that’s not enough to cover damage. I don’t know you, so it’s not worth the risk at all.”
Another landlord said, “Due to wear and tear, I’d personally prefer a professional couple.” A third commented, “I want to minimize the risk of damages to my house so I don’t have to spend my hard-earned money to fix ‘accidents’ that happen.” A fourth landlord shared, “My husband and I renovated for 15 months before renting out our property, so of course we were picky when deciding on a tenant.”
Another reason for rejections was the presence of pets. According to a report by the NSW Tenants Union, pets accounted for nearly a quarter of rental discrimination cases. Adam Flynn, a real estate professional with over 20 years of experience, told Yahoo that property managers often encouraged investors to choose the “easiest” tenant.
“It’s wrong and it’s discrimination,” he said. “Each person should be decided upon based on their previous rental history and good references.” He suggested that renters could improve their chances by providing a strong cover letter and even attaching photos of their family.
Despite the challenges, Gemma and her family have now found a four-bedroom home for $460 a week.
Landlords’ Perspectives on Rental Decisions
Landlords often justify their choices by emphasizing the risks involved in renting to large families or those with pets. Some argue that the potential for damage to their property is too high. One landlord stated, “It’s a choice to have four kids and a dog and it’s also a choice a landlord can make to mitigate risks and choose the appropriate tenant for their asset.”
Another landlord expressed concerns about the workload of raising a large family. “I wouldn’t want four kids in my investment because in my mind that is a heck of a workload on the parents, so my property may not be kept in the condition I want purely because the parents are too busy,” they wrote.
Addressing the Housing Crisis
The issue of rental discrimination highlights a broader problem in the housing market. With rising costs and limited availability, many families struggle to find suitable homes. The experiences of Gemma and others reflect the challenges faced by many Australians in securing affordable and safe housing.
As the demand for housing continues to grow, it is essential for landlords and property managers to consider the needs of all potential tenants. Discrimination based on family size or pet ownership not only affects individuals but also contributes to the overall housing crisis.
Efforts to address these issues include advocating for fairer rental practices and encouraging transparency in the decision-making process. By promoting understanding and empathy, the housing market can become more inclusive and supportive for all families.
