Weeks have turn into months for renter Laura Morrisby as she shelters from Victoria’s COVID outbreaks

A national survey of renters has found about one in five people moved home during the pandemic, and for one Tasmanian it meant getting “stuck” on the Apple Isle.

Laura Morrisby moved back to Lindisfarne from Victoria during COVID-19. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

A TRIP home to Hobart for a few weeks to escape Victorian COVID-19 lockdowns has turned into an extended trip for Laura Morrisby.

The 25-year-old had hoped to stay with her parents for six weeks — she packed only winter clothing — and then return to her normal life.

Instead, she will likely remain in Tasmania into early next year.

Miss Morrisby’s experience puts her among the 20 per cent of flatmates that have moved home with their parents because of the pandemic, according to Flatmates.com.au’s National Accommodation Survey, which was released today.

“When Melbourne’s numbers started climbing and the stage three lockdown was looming, I made a quick choice to return to Hobart where I was born and raised,” she said.

“I hoped I would be here six weeks but it’s been three months – it does feel like life has kind of plateaued at the moment.

“I’m thankful to be in a much safer situation than people in Victoria have experienced, but it is hard to be surrounded by people that are pretty much getting on with normal life.”

Laura Morrisby is happy to be safely bunkered down in Tassie but also ready to get back to her “normal” life. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Miss Morrisby said she is still paying rent and bills in Victoria.

“We looked into getting our rent reduced but it sounded more like a loan than an actual reduction, and you don’t want to be in debt for rent if you don’t absolutely have to,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Flatmates survey of 12,000 people found that 100 per cent of Hobart respondents that had asked their landlord for a rent reduction were offered a deferral.

It showed 10 per cent of respondents had rented out their spare room during COVID to make extra cash.

Many Hobartians surveyed (35 per cent) said their employment status had been unaffected by COVID, 8 per cent said it had and they were on JobKeeper, 13 per cent JobSeeker and 11 per cent had reduced work hours.

About 17 per cent of Hobart respondents said they were worried about eviction due to not being able to afford their rent during the pandemic.

Flatmates community manager Claudia Conley said COVID had significantly affected renters.

“In our Flatmates community, many have experienced job loss or reduced hours and pay,” she said.

“One in five share houses were affected by a flatmate moving back home to parents, while one in 10 share houses took on a new flatmate or had a partner move in to help cover costs.

“However, due to the up-tick in properties and rooms available, prices are being driven down in some of the most sought-after areas.”

NATIONAL SURVEY FINDINGS

1 in 5 moved home or had a flatmate move home

Only half of those who asked for a rent reduction were successful

20% said they were nervous that they would be evicted due to not being able to afford their rent

14% of respondents moved in with their partner, but half have since broken up

37% said they spent more on food during lockdown than before the before the pandemic

17% want to move regionally because of the pandemic, and 1 in 20 already have

1 in 11 adopted a pet during COVID-19

Source: Flatmates.com.au

Originally published as Weeks have turn into months for renter Laura Morrisby as she shelters from Victoria’s COVID outbreaks