Renters’ desperate search hit a roadblock just before the end

After attending more than 50 open inspections Andy Baines finally found a rental property for his family. But there was a major catch, which nearly locked them out.

A lengthy search for a rental property has exposed a systemic flaw that almost deprived a desperate family of six of their new home.

Full-time carer Andrew Baines and partner Stephanie Friend, her mother, Belinda Stephens, aunty Rachel Stephens and two teenage cousins, 18 and 19, were facing homelessness before being offered a four-bedroom house at Torrensville on Tuesday for $700 a week.

Their prospective landlord asked for $4200 in bond by Friday, which they were unable to pay as they only had savings of $2500.

Mr Baines, 38, rang the SA Housing Authority on Wednesday asking for assistance and was directed to its regional office at Noarlunga.

“We went there and they told us that we weren’t eligible for emergency bond assistance because the rental was $700 a week and they only paid for rentals up to $450 a week,” he said.

“That is crazy because no houses for families are going for $450 any more. We told them we would become homeless and have to sleep in our cars if we didn’t get help.

“The woman we spoke to said there was nothing they could do and gave us a pamphlet for a homeless shelter.”

Steph Friend and her partner Andrew Baines who is also her full-time carer while she is remission from cancer have been desperately searching for a home. Picture: Morgan Sette

SUCH A RELIEF – FOR ONE FAMILY

Mr Baines, 38, and Ms Friend, 33, had attended more than 50 open inspections and applied for more than 200 properties after being told they had to move out of a similar-sized house at Morphett Vale.

After inquiries by The Advertiser, Mr Baines received a phone call on Thursday saying his application had been reassessed and approved.

“We were told to go to the Marion office, where we signed some paperwork and they gave us the full bond and one week’s rent,” he said.

“It is such a relief. We were really looking at the prospect of having to sleep in our cars if we didn’t find somewhere. It was getting pretty desperate.”

Mr Baines said while he was grateful for the financial help provided by Housing SA, he believed his situation had shown its criteria for providing financial help needed to be reviewed and updated.

“As much as I feel relieved for my family, there are still a lot of people out there struggling,” he said. “They (the government) need to look at how they can start helping more people like us.

“If they have to increase the rental price they will cover, then so be it. It needs to be closer to what’s actually happening in the market.”

A Housing SA spokeswoman said the organisation had assigned a liaison officer to investigate Mr Baines’ application. His request for financial help was granted after he provided more supporting documentation, which was required.