Uncovering the truth: Southeast Qld’s ‘backyard rental black market’

The ads – primarily on social media – are deliberately vague, and the prices listed inevitably turn out to be far less than what is demanded when you actually apply.

A backyard listed for rent on Facebook Marketplace

The ads – primarily on social media – are deliberately vague, and the prices listed inevitably turn out to be far less than what is demanded when you actually apply.

After being tipped off to the trend of would-be landlords preying on vulnerable Queenslanders on the verge of homelessness, the Courier-Mail spent a week searching online adverts and investigating the truth behind them.

A simple search on Facebook Marketplace revealed several ads for “spaces” or “storage” listed throughout Southeast Queensland, but after making further inquiries it was revealed the “spaces” were actually for rent.

A backyard listed for rent on Facebook Marketplace.

Many listed spaces as free, for low amounts, or undisclosed amounts. When The Courier-Mail inquired with some of these sellers to ask how much they would charge someone to erect a tent on one of these spaces, responses ranged from $150 to $250 a week and some were asking for bond and two weeks upfront.

Some listings were priced at $1234, indicating a buyer should message the seller for details to keep it off the public domain.

One landowner, south of Brisbane, advertising on Marketplace asked for details including nationality, $200 a week rent, with a six-month minimum stay, four weeks bond and two weeks rent upfront – a total of $1400 before a peg would be staked into the ground on bushland with no access to power or water.

The advertiser of a “residential space for rent” that was listed as free was asked how much to camp in a tent on their property. Discarded pallets and other wooden junk can be seen on a gravel driveway.

The advertiser of a “residential space for rent”, listed as free, asked for $250 a week when contacted, to camp in an unkempt yard beside a gravel driveway.

As more Queenslanders become homeless, many are desperate for the safety of a temporary home, such as a tent or van, on private property.

One expert told The Courier-Mail this was a longstanding, altruistic practice to meet immediate housing needs.

Some councils have recently changed laws to allow more flexibility in short-term accommodation, but there must be access to amenities.