‘F**khead territory’: ABC star explodes after being trolled over rental question

A tweet about a potential injustice in Australia’s rental system has led one ABC star to blast Twitter users as “f*ckheads”.

Mark Humphries’ Twitter feed has turned into “f**khead territory”.

On Sunday evening, the ABC satirist took to the platform to share his thoughts on what seemed a reasonable observation of life in the rental market.

“Sick of the NBN’s $300 “one-time connection fee”. Am now in the second-straight rental property where the owner refuses to pay it,” he wrote.

Sick of the NBN's $300 "one-time connection fee". Am now in the second-straight rental property where the owner refuses to pay it.

— Mark Humphries (@markhumphries) January 15, 2023

Hundreds responded, many taking opposition to Humphries’ view on having to pay for a utility that will remain with the property long after his tenancy finishes.

“Connecting and paying for utilities (water, gas, electric, internet) is generally done by the renter at the renter’s expense. Were you expecting different for some reason?” one person wrote.

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ABC Host Mark Humphries. Picture: Monique Harmer

“It’s your service mate,” another exclaimed.

“What am I missing? – you want a service and expect someone else to pay for it? Sounds entitled,” another inquired.

“If you work hard, cut down on avocado on toast, and save your pennies, you might be able to buy your own place one day,” said another, even as avocado prices plummet amid a national oversupply.

Well known for his comedic takes on Australian social issues, Humphries retweeted his post on Monday, fed up with the blunt reactions to his observation.

“There’s a point at which a tweet’s reach expands into the f**khead replies territory,” he wrote. “This tweet has now reached that territory.

“Please, f**kheads, if you see this tweet, just scroll on.”

There’s a point at which a tweet’s reach expands into the fuckhead replies territory. This tweet has now reached that territory. Please, fuckheads, if you see this tweet, just scroll on. https://t.co/RVtbDyaac8

— Mark Humphries (@markhumphries) January 15, 2023

Humphries, however, found plenty of allies in other renters who agreed the cost was a bit harsh – given skyrocketing prices of rent.

“I was absolutely appalled upon finding out that, as it is not considered an installation fee, the property owner is not required to pay it,” one said.

“Every time I’ve had this happen to me, I’ve successfully gotten the landlord to pay for it.

“Pretty sure it’s on them anyway, as it’s a one-time connection fee to the property,” another said.

Others got personal, asking the star why he was renting.

“You’re on TV, how do you not own a house?” one bluntly asked.

Hopeful Sydney-siders checking out the Sydney rental market in the Eastern Suburbs. Picture: Jeremy Piper

“Welcome to the reality of Australian showbiz,” he responded.

The Tenants Union of New South Wales states while a landlord or agent cannot refuse a request to have internet connected to a dwelling, they are not required to pay for the installation.

“Installation of a carriage service for connecting a phone line or internet is an alteration that is of a ‘minor nature’, as prescribed by the Regulations. This means the landlord/agent cannot unreasonably refuse consent,” the TUNSW website states.

“You will have to pay for installation (although the landlord may agree to pay or contribute to the cost) and any repairs to connections you have installed.”