A TASMANIAN rental property advertised as “not in the best condition” with visible wall stains and decaying paint has triggered calls for stronger enforcement against landlords offering substandard housing.
Recently listed on realestate.com.au is a two-bedroom, one-bathroom house for rent at Beach Rd in Kingston with a $270 per week asking price.
The rental offering, priced far below Kingston’s $500pw median rental price, is promoted with a price point and location aimed at offsetting its condition and appearance.
Two bedroom Beach Rd, Kingston, rental property with visible wall stains and decaying paint advertised as “not in the best condition”.
“This small two bedroom cottage is not the best looking house or in the best condition but it is in the best spot and would suit someone looking for a lifestyle with cheap rent,” the rental listing reads.
“It has two bedrooms and a separate lounge. Pets are per application and the yard is fully fenced. It will be a 12 month lease.”
Beach Rd, Kingston, rental advertisement.
Photos of the property show decaying paint on the building’s exterior and inside walls and skirting boards.
Stains, consistent with the appearance of mould, are shown on walls in one of the rooms.
The Residential Tenancy Act 1997 states all rental properties must be clean and in good repair when the tenant moves in.
Two bedroom Beach Rd, Kingston, rental property with visible wall stains and decaying paint advertised as “not in the best condition”.
Tasmanian Tenants’ Union solicitor Ben Bartl said landlords can be fined up to $8700 if a property it’s found a property isn’t clean or in good repair.
He said a lack of rental options was leading to Tasmanians settling for substandard living.
“The Tenants’ Union receives a lot of calls from tenants who live in substandard housing,” he said.
“Unfortunately, the lack of affordable rental properties, particularly in Hobart, means that many tenants would rather put up with substandard housing than have no housing at all.
“We believe that stronger enforcement action needs to be taken against landlords who are offering substandard housing for rent.”
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