A rental property in Kiama, advertised for $420 a week, despite appearing uninhabitable, has sparked outrage over the treatment of vulnerable renters. See previous story here

Tenants in this house in Kiama are paying $420 per week to rent this property. The house is full of mould and the roof of one room is bamboo matting.

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward has called for stronger action to address the state of the region’s rental properties, highlighting the challenges faced by low-income earners and the lack of oversight in the rental market.

A community member who viewed the property, described it as “in severe disrepair”. They were so concerned about price gouging that they took photos of the property, which showed bamboo ceilings used to hastily repair a roof and no apparent effort to clean or maintain the house between tenants.

“How can we justify charging $420 a week for something like this?” Mr Ward asked. “It’s a shack being used as a cash cow, and that’s unacceptable.”

When The Bugle approached the leasing agent for comment the response was

"Rental prices are typically determined based on market conditions, location, and demand.

However, the property's condition is a vital factor, and we acknowledge the need to ensure that it meets basic habitability standards.

The property has been evaluated based on its unique features and current market trends in Kiama."

This situation raises broader concerns about the rental market’s impact on vulnerable groups, including single mothers and older women. “If you’re a single mother with two kids, how can you afford these rents? It’s beyond comprehension,” he said.

Mr Ward called on the NSW Rental Commissioner Trina Jones to address cases like the one in Kiama, saying: “This is an example of the problems we’re facing.”

He highlighted systemic failures that are leaving more people at risk of homelessness, particularly women over 50, who often lack superannuation and have been priced out of the housing market.

“It’s not just about rough sleepers anymore,”he says. “More and more, we’re seeing cases like 'Frances', a university lecturer, recently divorced, living in her car because she can’t find a rental property that will allow her dog. This isn’t a home; it’s a symbol of how broken the system is.”

Mr Ward pointed to the success of the “housing-first” model implemented during his time in government, which halved rough sleeping by prioritising stable housing and wrap-around services for those most vulnerable.

“We’ve proven it works,” he says. “Now we need to see it applied on a broader scale.”

The MP encouraged community members to hold landlords and property managers accountable while pushing for systemic change. He also proposed revisiting affordable housing strategies to ensure renters have access to safe, habitable homes.

“It’s not about naming and shaming; it’s about achieving the best outcomes for the people in our community,” he says. “But if pressure needs to be applied, I’m not afraid to do so.”

Mr Ward says he will call on the Rental Commissioner and other stakeholders to address the issue, using the Kiama property as a case study. 

“We need real solutions, not just lip service,” he says.

As Kiama continues to face the brunt of the housing crisis, the community is left to ask: How much longer will vulnerable renters be forced to accept substandard conditions at exorbitant prices?

If you have experienced similar issues with rental properties in the Kiama area, please contact the NSW Rental Commissioner Trina Jones at "Tenancy, landlord and agent complaints and enquiries"