200 applications: Camira single mum of five faces homelessness

A staggering 200 rental applications was not enough for an Ipswich mother of five to secure a home — now, she is facing homelessness within the next three weeks.

Amanda Kirkman, a mother of five, has just less than three weeks to find a new rental, or face homelessness.

The single mother, 34, has been looking for rental properties in the Greater Springfield area for about four months.

She’s been rejected for 200 rental properties so far.

Ms Kirkman said she was given a notice to leave her current home without grounds about one month ago.

She asked for an extension, but was denied.

Ms Kirkman now has until June 20 to find a new place to live.

Amanda Kirkman and her five children. Picture: Supplied

“I’m losing sleep, I’ve been a mess,” she said.

“I don’t have a plan. I’m trying not to think of it.”

Ms Kirkman said moving to a place outside of Greater Springfield was not an option as her children were settled at their school.

She was desperately worried about the impact having no home would have on her children, aged from four to 13.

Amanda Kirkman’s five children. Picture: Supplied

“(My nine-year-old) has an intellectual disability and ADHD, (while) my eight-year-old has severe anxiety,” she said.

“Being homeless would put all my kids under major stress.

“They have been through enough in life already, more than most adults.

“If anyone has anything in Springfield or surrounding suburbs, I can afford up to $450 per week for rent.

“Please, I can't think of us becoming homeless. I'm so scared.”

Ms Kirkman is one of a growing number of anxious parents desperately seeking a home in what has become a saturated renters’ market.

Moses Nguyen from NGU Real Estate in Augustine Heights said the rental crisis across Greater Springfield came down to the booming property market.

“With supply and demand fuelling the sales market, it has a direct correlation to the rental markets pushing tenants out as investors sell up to target owner occupiers to allow for a premium sale, resulting in a decrease of rentals available,” he said.

Mr Nguyen offered some tips to help renters facing difficulties finding a property:

• Have a good rental history (if not, justify or explain why it is not the best)
• Use previous property managers as referees
• Consider surrounding suburbs
• Try to meet the rental terms a landlord might want (rent paid weekly on time, offer to upkeep the yard etc)
• Reach out to family and friends who might have investment properties and offer to rent off them
• Ask to be placed on a rental list for future rentals so you’re first in the line.