Rental crisis: Concern mounts as Adventurers Backpackers Resort guests told to relocate

Troubled tenants at a budget resort on the market in South Townsville have been given eight weeks to find new places to live in the face of the city’s crippling rental crisis.

The clock has started ticking for residents at Adventurers Backpackers Resorts, who have been given eight weeks to find new places to live. Pictured is Craig Heinitz who has been living at the resort for two years. Picture: Shae Beplate.

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Troubled tenants at a budget resort on the market in South Townsville have been given eight weeks to find new places to live in the face of the city’s crippling rental crisis.

The Adventurers Backpackers Resort on Palmer St informed their long-term guests that the business was being sold and under contract in a letter on Tuesday.

In the letter, owners Karley and Steve Sharman said guests would have until March 14 to find alternative accommodation, pending the settlement of the sale.

It comes as Townsville grapples with record-low rental vacancies and soaring cost-of-living pressures, which is forcing many low-income residents into homelessness for the first time.

“It is with sadness to send this letter to our guests, but after 20 years of owning Adventurers Backpackers, Steve and I have finally sold the premises,” the letter read.

A letter sent to guests at Townsville's Adventurers Backpackers Resort on Tuesday. Picture: Supplied

“Over the last couple of years, we have had a few contracts full (sic) through. We are crossing our fingers this contract goes through on March 28.

“It will be a long settlement giving you all the time to find new accommodation. All guests are welcome to stay up to March 14.

“The Sharman family wishes you well, and if we can help with references, please ask.”

Craig Heinitz has been living at the resort for two years and said it would be difficult to find such affordable accommodation anywhere else in Townsville amid the ongoing rental crisis.

“I know some tenants who have been living here for more than seven years and don’t want to leave,” he said.

“Now people are wondering where they are going to go because finding a cheap rental these days is so hard.

“My room here costs me $185 a week. It will be hard to find something better elsewhere unless you find people to share with.

“I’m lucky because I’ve got the Richmond Fellowship helping me put together my rental application and the resort gave me a reference. If I didn’t have that support, I’d be very worried.”

The Sharmans said the sale was not yet final and declined to comment further.

Originally published as Rental crisis: Concern mounts as Adventurers Backpackers Resort guests told to relocate