Salisbury woman fears being homeless again after living in $400p/w garage renovation

A northern suburbs woman has been left exhausted and heartbroken after a six month search led her to a converted garage she’s now learned could be unapproved.

A Salisbury woman fears she could be homeless for the second time in months after learning the $400 per week converted garage she was renting might be unapproved.

Colleen Brady, 49, found a property at Salisbury in March after spending almost six months searching amid the rental crisis.

Ms Brady, who recently moved from interstate and is on her eighth pacemaker, said the process had been exhausting and dehumanising.

The 49-year-old agreed to pay $400 a week for a converted garage in a two-bedroom home.

But when Ms Brady recently contacted Consumer and Business Services to check the status of her bond, and told them she had been living in a converted garage, she was informed that it may have possibly involved unapproved works.

Colleen Brady at a shared house in Salisbury, in the converted garage she been living in. Picture: Matt Loxton

Ms Brady said she feared she would now face homelessness if she were to be evicted from the property.

A Salisbury Council spokesman said the council had inspected the property after being made aware of potential unauthorised building works and would work with the property owner to ensure the building was suitable for all occupants.

“(The council will) take appropriate action regarding any unapproved building works or unauthorised land use in accordance with council policy,” a spokesman said.

“Council would only exercise its powers to vacate occupants from a building should that building be in a condition which presents immediate threat to public safety.”

The council did not say it intended to take that step.

Ms Brady, who has two cats and a small dog, said she just wanted a roof over her head.

“I’ve paid $400 per week for a room every week, I can afford rent ... I just want somewhere that’s safe and comfortable for me and my pets,” she said.

The landlord declined to comment.