Why this Fitzroy sharehouse room is not what it appears to be
Is it a bedroom, bathroom or both? A dwelling listed for rent in trendy Fitzroy has been converted into an unusual space that takes sharehouse living to a whole new level. SEE THE PICTURES
VIC News
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An ensuite room for rent in a stunning Victorian terrace house, located in the heart of trendy Fitzroy sounds almost too good to be true.
Until you look at the pictures — and the price.
Posted in a group for Melbourne’s French community, the “nice” sharehouse room for rent is advertised as an “independent furnished room with private bathroom”.
But it’s revealed to not be a bedroom at all, but a repurposed bathroom.
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An enterprising landlord has erected a bunk in the bathroom, even squeezing in a vanity, study desk, chest of drawers and space heater.
To make the most of the cramped space, a couch has been jammed under the bed, while a tiny corner shelf was hammered above the bed.
There isn’t even enough room for the bunk’s ladder, which leans against the bathroom wall.
All that’s missing — thankfully — is a toilet.
And the asking rent is $290 a week, inclusive of bills.
While it’s not clear how many bedrooms (or bathrooms) the terrace features, the listing mentions 13 people live on the property.
And there was demand for the bedroom-bathroom, with at least one person expressing their interest before the post was taken down.
City of Yarra councillor Stephen Jolly slammed the “outrageous” dwelling, saying it was the consequence of an “out-of-control” private rental market.
“When there’s a market for something, people will take advantage of it — this is true, whether you talk about drugs or housing,” he told the Herald Sun.
“At the moment, we don’t have rent control in the rental market … Even when you’ve got a housing boom, people’s needs are not being met.
“We’re building units at the speed of sound but they’re not for families, they’re for investors and rich people.”
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According to realestate.com.au, the median weekly rent in Fitzroy is $568.
The French-language listing also talks up the house’s location, touting nearby shops, restaurants and cafes, along with its proximity to public transport.
The property also has a “small roof terrace” and “nice garden for sunbathing”.
A Consumer Affairs Victoria spokesperson said councils are responsible for investigating rooming houses and the management of cleanliness, health and safety issues.
City of Yarra has been contacted for comment.