Aussies divided over $350 'garage' rental: 'Absolutely disgusting'

Aussie renters debated whether the furnished one-bedroom apartment built under a Brisbane home is good value or exploitative at $350 per week. (Source: Facebook)

A Brisbane rental offering has outraged Aussies in the grips of a housing crisis, with many labelling the prospective lodgings as exploitative and a fire hazard. However, others say younger renters should sacrifice creature comforts for a good deal in tough times.

The "fully furnished one bedroom apartment" in the inner-city suburb of Woolloongabba is advertised at $350 per week with all bills included, and appears to be a converted under-house area with questionable ceiling heights.

The current tenant, looking to break his lease, posted the ad to Facebook Marketplace in search of a replacement renter. "This is a beautiful property located at walking distance from Woolloongabba stadium," he wrote. "It's perfect for a single person or a couple. It has everything you could ask for. You get this apartment fully furnished with all bills included.

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"You have the right to the backyard and the front porch as well that allows to park two cars if needed," the listing continues. "The garage has remote controlled gate. You just need your clothes to come and settle here."

Several members of the Facebook group Don't Rent Me weren't convinced though, pointing out that the lodgings are likely illegal and potentially dangerous. "The reality is that at least part of that living space area is not legal height," one group member said. "I don't know if that's legal over the stove," they continued, "If not, that's a hazard."

The Woolloongabba apartment is located just minutes from the Brisbane CBD. (Source: Facebook)

Others agreed, saying the place likely wouldn't get council approval. "Fire hazard", someone commented. "Unless ticked off by a council building inspector, it's completely dangerous to convert garages."

Queensland law says rooms that are occupied for extended periods of time, such as bedrooms, kitchens and living areas, must have a minimum height of 2.4 metres, while spaces of a specialised nature including bathrooms must have a minimum height of 2.1 metres.

"I would rather be homeless thanks," another group member wrote, while someone else added, "I cannot believe these landlords, absolutely disgusting!" A third pointed out a number of potential issues with the apartment, writing, "Yep crawlies, mildew and mould will definitely be a big problem. Would be OK if they had sealed it."

Some Facebook users said the "apartment" was likely illegal and presented a fire hazard. (Source: Facebook)

Meanwhile, a dissenting group member ruffled a few feathers by suggesting the place is acceptable for the price, and younger generations just need to learn about sacrifice. "Bloody 'ell. It includes everything," she commented. "A couple living for $350 a week together is pretty good and cheap. Young ones, it's called sacrifice." However, that take didn't go down well with many group members, who noted younger generations shouldn't be forced to sacrifice basic living standards, and called the dissenter "boomer".

The woman wasn't alone though, with some others suggesting the property was good value for the location and "better than being homeless". "Surprisingly cheap for being in the Gabba, being full furnished and all bills included," commented one. "That is a pretty good deal honestly," agreed someone else. "I mean I wouldn't want to live there personally, but it's not the worst."

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