A 28-year-old single mother and registered nurse in Perth, Australia has had her landlords more than double her weekly rent in a disastrous move just days before Christmas.
In an emotional video shared on TikTok, Jakki Brooking spoke of her dire living situation, which could leave her and her son homeless by the New Year.
Brooking began her video by revealing the harsh reality she’s facing after residing in her rental home for the past six years.
She explained her property was, until recently, a part of the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS), aimed at reducing rental costs for low-income earners at least 20 percent below market rent.
“The house was recently sold, and the new owners didn’t want to go ahead with the same low-income scheme,” she explained.
The consequence of this decision was a staggering increase in rent, soaring from $200 to a crippling $430 per week.
Brooking, in tears wearing Christmas-themed nursing scrubs, expressed her desperation, saying: “I obviously can’t afford to pay that … I feel so f—king stupid doing this s—t.”
The single mother detailed her efforts to secure alternative housing, only to face rejection after rejection.
As her lease approaches its end on January 1, Brooking found herself in a precarious position.
The limited availability of NRAS properties complicated her search, leaving her stuck between being a low-income existing tenant and not meeting the criteria as a new tenant.
Brooking said she reached out to her real estate agent, explaining the looming threat of homelessness for herself and her son.
But the response was callous, with the agent, who has not been named, threatening legal action if she didn’t vacate the premises by the specified date.
“I just don’t know what I’m meant to do now,” she said.
“This is literally so embarrassing.”
She said the logistics of finding accommodation for her beloved cat and dog and a storage unit for their belongings added another layer of stress.
Brooking turned to her audience, asking for suggestions.
The comments section overflowed with sympathetic messages, condemning the challenging housing situation in Perth.
Some offered practical advice, suggesting she contact the state tenancy board for assistance.
Perth, in particular, has earned the unenviable title of “Australia’s toughest city for renters” in 2023.
PropTrack data revealed this year that nine of the nation’s 10 most competitive suburbs for rentals are located in Perth, even as demand in other cities decreases.
The Bentley area, in particular, stands out with an astonishing average of 160 competitors per rental listing, triple the levels recorded in other Australian capitals.
The NRAS began in 2008 under the Rudd Government and will end in 2026.
