Alex Levonis on his struggle to secure housing amid Victoria’s rental crisis

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Alex Levonis has revealed his struggle to secure a suitable living place amid Victoria’s rental housing crisis.

In a recent interview with ABC News, Mr Levonis said he applied for 30 Melbourne rental properties over a few weeks and called real estate agents, only to be left with no response.

Eventually the full-time freelance graphic designer found a lease on Facebook from a stranger, but the place needs repair. He said he’s afraid to ask the landlord for any improvements in case they increase the rent.

Vacancy rates are just 1.4 per cent in Melbourne, where rents have hit record highs.
Vacancy rates are just 1.4 per cent in Melbourne, where rents have hit record highs. Photo: Chris Hopkins.

This comes as Victoria’s rental crisis begins to affect not just those traditionally facing hardship, such as the long-term unemployed, but also people who are in work and have good rental histories. 

Tenants Victoria has called for action at all levels of government in the form of increasing housing stock — by the thousands — and caps on rental hikes.

In a statement, a spokesman for the Victorian government said it is providing support “that is making a difference” with reference to Build-to-Rent projects designed to be long term rentals.

Source: msn.com

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