Reports of Landlord Misconduct and Tenant Struggles Surface in Australia
Instances of unannounced and illegal visits by landlords, coupled with allegations of racism from real estate agents, paint a grim picture for many tenants across Australia. Numerous individuals recount being evicted after requesting essential repairs, only to see their former properties swiftly relisted at higher rents, leaving them feeling exploited and disregarded.
In Brunswick, Victoria, one resident’s experience encapsulates the frustration felt by many. “The landlord is a scumlord… Every time we asked for a basic repair, his response was that we should move out instead,” they lament.
This stark power disparity between landlords and tenants fuels discontent. While landlords and real estate agents possess extensive information about renters, tenants often lack reciprocal transparency. To address this discrepancy, Mr. van den Berg developed a database aimed at rebalancing the equation.
However, his recent focus has shifted to landlords with vacant properties, citing their potential to alleviate the strain on the rental market. Australia’s latest demographic data reveals approximately one million empty houses, exacerbating the housing crisis, particularly in areas where homelessness is rampant.
The duration and reasons behind these vacancies remain unclear, but Mr. van den Berg finds the situation untenable. “So I thought I’d make a list,” he remarks.
With the support of his followers, he’s compiling addresses nationwide, advocating for squatting in these unoccupied homes. While squatting itself is legal in Australia, laws against breaking and entering or trespassing still apply. Undeterred, Mr. van den Berg’s initiative urges action in the face of government inaction regarding vacant properties owned by the wealthy.
“If the government won’t do anything about the rich hoarding empty homes, make them,” he asserts in a video rallying for submissions.
While some addresses are shared publicly, safety concerns prompt Mr. van den Berg to distribute others privately. Buoyed by a significant response, he has expanded his list globally, including vacant properties in countries such as the UK, US, and Switzerland.