Beyond Affordability, a Hidden Health Crisis
Sydney's rental market is in a state of crisis, with record-high prices pushing many residents into impossible choices. Tiny two-bedroom apartments can fetch weekly rents exceeding $700, leaving some with no option but to share not just an apartment, but a bedroom with strangers. This practice, known as "hot bedding," has become a grim reality for many tenants, particularly those from marginalized communities.
While shared housing is often marketed as an affordable solution, the reality is far from ideal. My research reveals concerning patterns of overcrowding, poor housing conditions, and serious health and safety risks. In some cases, up to 20 people were found living in two-bedroom apartments. Nearly a third of tenants shared a bedroom with two or more people, and over two-thirds shared a single toilet/bathroom with more than two people. Living rooms were also partitioned to create additional sleeping spaces.
These conditions pose significant health and safety risks. Tenants faced life-threatening fire hazards due to the removal of smoke alarms by "head tenants" seeking to avoid penalties for false alarms triggered by cooking. Poor ventilation, mold, and overcrowding led to respiratory issues, depression, and headaches. Hygiene was also a major concern, with bed bugs, cockroaches, and bathroom drainage issues impacting tenants' physical and mental health.
Beyond the physical constraints, tenants faced restrictions on their daily routines and autonomy. Cooking large meals was often prohibited, and many were not allowed to use heaters or air conditioners, even during extreme weather. Exploitation and vulnerability were also prevalent, with nearly half of the tenants interviewed having no written lease and paying rent in cash, leaving them exposed to sudden eviction and financial exploitation.
The most alarming finding was the low rate of tenants seeking help from tenancy and advocacy services, even in cases of exploitation and eviction. One tenant who alleged sexual assault by housemates faced bullying and lost her bond deposit. Her five-year battle to reclaim the bond highlights the challenges faced by tenants without written leases.
Sydney's housing crisis is evolving into a hidden health crisis. As rents soar, residents are forced to choose between unaffordable housing and unsafe living conditions. These issues extend beyond Sydney and have been exacerbated by COVID-19 and the cost-of-living crisis. Precarious housing conditions are not just about comfort; they are key social and built environment factors that directly impact health outcomes, daily routines, and economic productivity.
Solving this systemic failure requires a careful approach to regulatory enforcement, as a flawed response could lead to increased homelessness. Real solutions must address affordability, overcrowding, and the exploitation of vulnerable tenants. Only then can we ensure safe and healthy housing for all.