Mom And Daughter Buy Tent After Being Rejected By 70 Rental Homes

Housing markets throughout the world are becoming increasingly difficult to engage in, both for renters and for purchasers. As costs rise, millions of people are being pushed further into financial instability in order to keep a roof over their heads. This mother and daughter from Australia’s Sunshine Coast are having so much trouble that it appears like living in a tent will be their only alternative. That’s right: they’re being pushed into homelessness by the rental market.

After being turned down for 70 rental homes, a mother and daughter purchase a tent.

Jayanne Hughes has never considered sleeping in a tent for more than a few days on a camping trip. She had no idea her 70-year-old mother would have to do it. Unfortunately, they have found themselves in this situation.

Jayanne and her mother Dianne had to leave their Gold Coast rented apartment after 17 years. The unit’s owner is returning to the United States from South Africa and intends to dwell there. Unfortunately, the present rental market in Australia has skyrocketed. It’s very competitive, and the prices have grown to absurdly high levels.

Jayanne and her mother have been looking for a new house for months, and their move-out date is approaching. They’ve applied for 70 different places to live. They’ve only been invited to inspect three of them thus far. Before they were even given an inspection date, someone else rented every other property.

“Mum and I used to go up to Gympie once a week, sometimes twice a week, to look at the real estates and let them know we were still there and still interested,” Jayanne explained. “We’re applying to view (a property), and before we even get a chance to look at it, we get a notification stating, ‘Sorry, an application has been accepted.'”

Why aren’t they being taken seriously?

This is the major concern of Jayanne and Dianne. They’ve routinely been months ahead of rent for the past 17 years. They’ve even attempted outbidding and providing more money, but their applications aren’t being approved. Jayanne, who works in mental health, says she is at the end of her rope.

She adds that their rental application is only qualified for $350 per week, or 30% of their income, based on her weekly wage and her mother’s monthly pension. Most landlords won’t even consider them because even the most basic two-bedroom homes sell for much more. Despite this, they earn too much to be eligible for housing aid from the government.

“I believe it’s ridiculous to pay over $400 a week for a two-bedroom apartment or house,” she said.

Observing Tent Life

This is why Jayanne and her mother went out and bought a tent. As their move-out date approaches, it appears that they will not have a choice. This isn’t ideal for anybody, especially Dianne. She had shoulder surgery just a few weeks ago at the age of 70, and her recuperation would take at least three months. Living in a tent is not conducive to a speedy recovery.

“I don’t know where I’m going to put the tent and the two stretcher beds I got,” Jayanne explained. “I keep promising her everything will be OK, but I’ve been saying that for months.”

Jayanne has been under a lot of pressure for months now, attempting to locate a suitable house for her elderly mother. She’s much more stressed now since she feels like she’s betraying her mother.

What Makes the Rental Market So Tough?

There are several reasons why the rental industry has exploded, particularly on the Sunshine Coast. To begin with, demand is larger than supply than it has ever been in history. As a result, rents have risen by hundreds of dollars. Many long-term residents have been priced out of their usual neighborhoods as a result of this.

Second, property is being purchased by investors. This raises rents since they have to charge greater rates to meet their own expenses. Many couples who had been living together split up during COVID. As a result, many newly single people, particularly males, are seeking for furnished apartments.

Even if you’re merely searching for a rental, Van Der Walt recommends enlisting the services of a broker. You can also enroll in online classes to assist you enhance your application and increase your chances of acceptance.

What are your thoughts on the situation? Are rental costs in your neighborhood also out of reach? Please let us know in the comments section.