Renters’ COVID-19 battles laid bare

A national survey from flatmates.com.au, involving more than 12,000 respondents, has provided a window into the lives of those living in share accommodation during COVID-19.

Those living in share housing, most commonly the young, university students and people employed in shift work or part time, have in many cases had their lives completely up-ended due to the pandemic.

Homes that might have be unaffordable for renters, have moved closer within reach. Source:Supplied

Key findings from the study discovered:

– around 20 per cent of those in share accommodation moved home

– only half of tenants who asked for a rent reduction were successful

– one-fifth were worried about eviction over unpaid rent

– one-sixth moved in with a partner but half of those relationships had broken up

– almost 20 per cent wanted to move out of the city because of the pandemic

– five per cent had already moved to a region

– almost 10 per cent adopted a pet during COVID-19

– and more than one-third said they were spending more on food than before the pandemic.

But there is a flip side, and a far rosier outlook as we move beyond stringent health restrictions.

“COVID-19 has significantly impacted renters and our Flatmates community with many experiencing job loss or reduced hours and pay,” Claudia Conley, Community Manager at Flatmates.com.au said

“But, it’s not all doom and gloom, due to the uptick in properties and rooms available, prices are being driven down in some of the most sought-after areas.

“Now is a fantastic time to move into your dream share house in your dream location.”

Sydney’s Madeline Wilmot is an good example of that. The 26-year-old video editor, who was initially on JobKeeper but has since worked throughout much of the pandemic, moved out of her inner-city share accommodation in April after her flatmate refused to take the pandemic seriously.

After a brief period of living with her aunt, Ms Wilmot is now living with a friend in a two-bedroom terrace in Wooloomooloo with a 20 per cent reduction on rent after playing hardball with a number of rental agencies.

Woolloomooloo has plenty to offer. Picture by Damian ShawSource:News Corp Australia

“I’m paying a little bit more rent than I was before but this is a much nicer place and I’m so much happier,” she said.

“We just keep lowballing places because they were desperate. You could pretty much name your price and we did and we found a place.

“If you’re not feeling great about your situation, take the time to improve it and you should be able to find somewhere affordable that you really like. That might not have been the case before. Most real estate agents are pretty realistic and know that things are not changing quickly anytime soon with the pandemic.”

Mikeeley Hoch from Brisbane’s Highgate Hill has struggled to find a new flatmate since her last one moved out to live with her boyfriend.

The 22-year-old dietician is realistic about finding the right person to live with in her three-bedroom apartment which contains the new COVID-19 must have – the third bedroom as a home office. And Ms Hoch knows the location of her home close to Southbank has widespread appeal for potential flatmates.

Mikeeley Hoch (left) has struggled to find a new flatmate since her last one, friend Molly moved out. Picture: Supplied Source:Supplied

“I’m fussy about who I want to live with,” she said.

“I want someone who is suitable and complements the way I live. I was expecting the worst at the start of the pandemic but in Brisbane we haven’t been as badly affected as other places.

“I can still get out and do the things I want to do like visiting the gym, eating out or going to a cafe for a coffee to enjoy time outside and also to socialise.”

But that has meant an increased expenditure on food.

“My food spending has skyrocketed,” she said.

“I was eating a lot of takeaway food at home and then when everything opened up again you wanted to support those places again. And when the novelty of that wore out, from a groceries point of view I have wanted to cook more elaborate dishes at home and as such I have spent more money on it.”

Brisbane’s Highgate Hill’s location has plenty to offer renters.Source:Supplied

A renter’s market?

Due to factors such as many renters being forced to move home, and the ban on international travel, including university students, there has been an increase in the number of rental properties available with many experts saying it is a renters market.

This is backed up by data provided by Flatmates.com.au, for example

– A room in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley was priced about $250 a week pre-COVID but can now be snapped up for as cheap as $180 a week.

– A room in Sydney’s Surry Hills was priced about $330 a week pre-COVID but can now be snapped up for as cheap as $230 a week.

– A room in Adelaide’s Glenelg was priced about $195 a week pre-COVID but can now be snapped up for as cheap as $160 a week.

Rents have dropped significantly in Melbourne’s inner city. Picture: Jason EdwardsSource:News Corp Australia

Flatmates.com.au Tips on share housing living during lockdown:

Check in on each other

Make sure your flatmates are doing OK. They might be home sick, missing their friends or stressed about their job situation. Asking “are you OK” and sharing a cuppa can go a long way.

Keep the house clean

Did we mention that we’re in a pandemic? Hygiene and keeping a clean home are not only vital for survival at the moment, but as we’re spending a lot more time at home, you want the space to look and feel inviting.

Communicate

A share house with good vibes is more important in 2020 than ever before. You and your flatmates need to communicate with each other about things that are bothering you, so that the house remains a tension free zone.

We all need a good local cafe. Picture: Richard Dobson Source:News Corp Australia

Respect each other’s boundaries

With varying restrictions in each state, it’s important to respect each other. You might be raring and ready to re-enter the world with the easing of restrictions, but your flatmate might have anxiety about the world opening up again. If they don’t feel comfortable with your Hinge date coming over, you need to respect that.

Book in solid flatmate bonding time

If you both love chick flicks and tacos, then book in Taco Tuesday as your special time to bond, catch up and just forget the crazy world we’re in.