A rental listing in Sydney's coveted eastern suburbs has ignited fury among prospective tenants after advertising what appeared to be a converted garage as a 'large room' for $240 per week.
The Too-Good-To-Be-True Listing
The controversial advertisement appeared on Facebook, promoting a 'large room' in the desirable Randwick and Kingsford area, strategically mentioning its proximity to both Coogee and Maroubra beaches. The listing began with an inviting pitch: 'Looking for an easygoing person to join our chill, friendly, mixed household - perfect for summer living in Sydney's East without the crazy rent prices.'
The description painted an appealing picture of a 'huge, bright room with timber-style floors' that boasted a 'slight tram-shed industrial vibe'. The space was marketed as 'private and clean' and 'fully furnished' with a bed, table, and lamp, while the window promised 'great natural light'.
However, the first warning sign emerged in the final detail: 'It can get a little warm for a few days in peak summer, but with the door open and airflow it's very manageable.'
The Shocking Reality Revealed
The truth behind the carefully crafted description became apparent when hopeful renters examined the accompanying photographs. The 'room' wasn't inside a house at all but appeared to be a garage converted into makeshift living quarters.
The images revealed a sparsely furnished space with a bed pushed against one corner, a small chest of drawers, and what online commentators quickly identified as a children's camping folding chair serving as furniture. The flooring showed adhesive linoleum featuring a floorboard print, with edges visibly peeling and lifting due to weather damage.
The most damning evidence came in the form of a garage rolling door visible at the top of one photograph, confirming the space's original purpose and raising serious questions about its suitability as habitable accommodation.
Online Backlash and Market Reality
When the listing was shared on Reddit under the 'S*** Rentals' category, it immediately attracted widespread condemnation and mockery. One stunned respondent declared: 'This is diabolical. I hope no one feels desperate enough to put themselves through this.'
Commenters systematically dismantled the listing's claims, noting that the 'timber-style floors' were actually peeling linoleum and questioning how the tenant would access bathroom and kitchen facilities, given there appeared to be no connecting door to the main house.
The description of the space getting 'a little hot in summer' particularly infuriated online observers, with one noting: 'It looks like there's absolutely no heating/cooling. Not even a fan?!' while another drily added: 'Good vibes only while you roast in your heated torture chamber.'
Despite the overwhelming criticism, the original poster who shared the listing made a sobering observation: 'The depressing part is this will rent out at that price. I live in this area and that is a good price for the area… it will be snapped up by an international student or backpacker.'
Tragically, this prediction appeared accurate, with reports indicating that before the advertisement was removed, over twenty people had commented trying to direct message the lister and secure the rental.
A Symptom of Bigger Problems
While most responses expressed outrage, a minority acknowledged the grim reality of Sydney's property market. One commenter conceded: 'Look, it is questionable, but the market dictates it.'
Another remarked with concerning insight: 'That's like a 5-star hotel for an international student. I know landlords who would put 3 beds in there and rent to 3 students for $120 each.'
The listing has since been removed from Facebook, but the conversation it sparked continues to highlight the desperate measures people are considering in one of the world's most challenging rental markets. The garage conversion rental serves as a stark symbol of the housing affordability crisis affecting major cities worldwide.
