You can’t kick people out of caravans during a rental crisis, writes Kathryn Bermingham

This is when laws must change – forcing someone out of their home during a rental crisis, just because of a rule, defies common sense, writes Kathryn Bermingham.

The heartbreaking case of a northern suburbs woman facing homelessness after she was booted out of her caravan defies all common sense.

Kaylene Swan Hussey this week revealed she was told by Playford Council she was not allowed to stay in a caravan parked on private property.

The situation, in Kaylene’s own words, is a nightmare. And what for?

The council says a complaint was made about the caravan and its hands were tied.

Under state law, caravans can be stored on a property but cannot be lived in for more than 30 days a year unless occupants apply for development approval.

Kaylene Swan Hussey. Picture: Facebook

One can only imagine the red tape tied up in such an approval process.

Kaylene’s story triggered an outpouring of support and calls for change, with 90 per cent of respondents to an Advertiser poll voting in favour of law changes that would allow people to live long-term in caravans.

Her post generated more than 400 comments from concerned members of the community.

“I really hope people protest this,” one wrote.

Another said “the amount we pay in council rates and this is the thanks homeowners get?”

In addressing the housing crisis, all options should be on the table.

The situation for tenants is dire.

Vacancy rates are at record lows, and this week’s Rental Affordability Index report shows costs continue to soar.

To combat the housing crisis, the government has announced huge future housing developments.

While a clearly important measure, these projects do nothing to alleviate the current squeeze.

Take the West End brewery site at Thebarton, where the first residents are not expected to move into homes built on the site until 2027.

A woman in Playford evicted from a caravan has sparked debate amid the ongoing housing crisis. Picture: Facebook

That kind of delay makes policies that could have an immediate effect all the more valuable.

The recent move to allow granny flats to be rented out was a welcome change. For prospective homeowners, subsidies like the First Home Owners Grant and stamp duty breaks will speed up the saving process.

Caravan reform would make a fast difference too. It would be complex, but surely worthwhile if a solution could be found that would allow people like Kaylene to keep their homes.

If a landowner is happy for a caravan to be parked in the yard, the government should not stand in the way — especially when a caravan is the only alternative to homelessness.