Tiny Tassie home comes under fire for steep rental rate
A property up for rent in Tasmania’s Huon Valley has faced a wave of criticism over its rental asking price - at a staggering $175 per week for the freestanding, singular room.
While the ‘home’ does boast stunning views as well as access to the main property’s amenities, most are in agreement that the asking price serves as a harsh reminder that Australia’s housing crisis is far from over.
The advertisement first appeared on Facebook Marketplace, with a listing that declared it to be a “small fully insulated cabin with heat and power. Shared kitchen and bathroom. $175 [per] week!
“On a rural bush setting with walking tracks, creeks and magnificent views. Just three-minute drive from Cygnet or 25-minute walk. Genuine inquiries only. Thank you.”
Comments from irate viewers came in fast and furious, with even going so far as to post on Twitter about the listing, writing “this tiny wooden box is barely wider than a two-seater couch, has no bathroom, no kitchen, and is a 25 minute walk from Cygnet.
“The owner wants $175 a week. If you had tried that on as little as five years ago, someone would have tossed you directly into the Tasman Sea.”
“My chook pen is bigger than that,” a fellow user said in response.
“I’ve seen better dog kennels,” someone else declared.
And one even asked if the building had “approval as a habitable building”, while another asked if it was actually just a ‘dunny’.
Luckily for the owner, the Tenants Union of Tasmania at least confirmed to 7NEWS.com.au that “the property does meet the requirements of a ‘boarding premises’ under the Residential Tenancy Act 1997 (Tas).”
The owner was of another opinion to the critics, however, reportedly telling The Mercury that “if people had actually reached out to me before having a crack they would see I am an honest guy trying to help people.
“I share the main house with my 18-year-old daughter and we both work full-time jobs. I don't charge electricity, water or rates and I couldn't do it any cheaper with rising interest rates.”
And as he also told 7NEWS, “I thought, coming into winter, it’s going to be pointless having a good home there [if it’s not being used], and if I can share the cost of living with somebody, my daughter and I would be happy to have the right tenant to come along.”
Images: Twitter