A five person family have been living out of a shed for over 18 months after being unable to find a home in a hostile rental market.
Renters are currently suffering immense pressure to keep a roof over their heads as supply dwindles, demand soars and prices keep rising.
Jesse Schaufler (32) and partner Kirrin Oliver (32) made a difficult choice to move their three boys under age 12 into a shed.
They were evicted from their home almost two years ago in Newcastle, due to a no-fault clause as the landlord wanted to move a relative into the property.
They applied for over 200 properties, and gained multiple rejections before deciding to move into a shed with their three kids.
“It’s very hard. You try not to get too comfortable because you think it’s not going to be much longer, but then more days and more weeks have gone by, more months, and it’s pretty hard.”
Authorities are calling the family "high priority homeless" after visiting the shed and seeing their living conditions.
Mr. Oliver earns up to $1300 a week working at a factory, while Ms. Schaufler earns about $300 as a cleaner.
They are hoping to find a property around the $550 a week mark, but claim demand has blocked them from getting in the door.
They are now living in a 3x5 metre metal shed stacked with their possessions, a makeshift kitchen and mattresses for each of the members.
“I don’t know what to hope for. Just a safe and warm space for the kids, somewhere where they can be comfortable and we can be comfortable.”
They are dreading staying in the shed another winter, and have become desperate to provide their children with a better living space.
“When it’s cold and when it’s hot it’s not comfortable."
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