Our Stories

Rentvesting is an increasingly common solution for people who either can’t afford to buy a home big enough for their needs or can't afford to buy one where they need to live. For Lucy and David, that meant swapping a 2-bedder in Dulwich Hill for a slightly run-down 3-bedroom house in Ashfield. She’s not keen on having to finance her family’s housing needs by being a landlord, but feels the underregulated market has left them little choice to gain the extra space for their growing children.

Back in the day, Rebecca remembers, the area had been dangerous, with drug users’ and sellers’ dominating presence impacting the community's ability to enjoy their neighbourhood. These days, it’s more relaxed, neighbours flock to BBQs in the park and kid-friendly events. They keep an eye out for one another and try to help out where they can.

Duncan might have to consider moving back into a share house, something he hoped never to have to do again. Now that he’s in his forties, he wants to have his own space.

By the time Erina found her current Marrickville flat, she had moved seven times in as many years and spent countless hours applying for rooms in share houses.

Casey is pleased with the outcome of his Tribunal matter and now has Elsie by his side in the granny flat. His successful journey to this point was only possible thanks to the long-awaited law changes that many renters and renters’ rights advocates have fought for; law changes that help renters have a home that really feels like home.

After months of living in unbearable heat inside her rental home, Sarah had to move back in with her parents. She counts herself lucky to have this option, knowing how many women out there can’t afford to simply pack up and leave a place that’s not right for them.

Three years into her tenancy, Brianna's rental experience started to sour. First, a newly appointed real estate agent placed the household on a fixed-term lease and increased their rent by 19%. Then, in the spring of 2023, an eviction notice came, with no explanation or reason for the eviction provided.

Since the divorce, Dave and his kids have been forced to move many times—never by choice. Two of his most recent leases ended with a no-grounds termination.

Faizan and Emma received a notice of an increase in rent from $850 to $920 a week. Their response was to accept the increase under the condition that the repairs they had been asking for be finally done. When no work was carried out, Faizan filed a complaint with the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal. A week later, the couple received a no grounds eviction notice.