Mark's story

I’ve never had the chance to buy a place. Housing prices in most Aussie cities are excessive! So, I’ve been renting since immigrating here in 1991.

I lived in Randwick from 1993 to 2011. I didn’t become too attached to it. I just liked the fact that it was close to the beach. In 2004, the termites from a tree in the back yard invaded my flat. From that year on, I kept asking for that issue to be fixed, but they never did. The termites ate up the door frames and I couldn't shut 3 of the 4 doors in my flat, including the door to the bathroom.

When the rent crisis kicked in in 2007 and vacancy rates plummeted below 1%, moving didn’t become an easy option. But when I got the last rental increase in 2011 (from $290.00 to $310.00/week), I replied that I would only pay it if the termite damage was fixed. The property manager's reply? Eviction notice.

Since moving, I’ve had a good experience renting. I've a good landlord and property manager. Renting is pretty convenient for the most part. It allows mobility without having to stress about selling, bridging finance, or the other things you have to deal with when selling.

I don’t like the fact that you can be turfed on a whim. You’re paying someone else’s mortgage.