'Uninhabitable' Greenacre home offers free rent for a year - with a catch

The rental availability crisis and opportunistic landlords are in the news again, with a Greenacre rental property listed for a staggering $0 per week - but there's a catch.

The David Street property has been listed for a three-year tenancy, with the first year rent-free - but according to the listing the house is 'currently uninhabitable', with renovations absolutely necessary before a tenant can move in. For anyone thinking they can save some money with an uncertified DIY approach, it's confirmed that the tenant has to foot the bill for licensed contractors or hold a trade license themselves because 'the landlord doesn't have the funds to renovate the property.'

After the tenant brings the property up to standard, the second and third years would be 'negotiable', no doubt depending on the quality of work that's been completed in the first year. While the $0 rent is an attractive figure given the increasingly worrisome situation facing renters all over Australia, the reality is that few people would actually come out ahead financially.

Real Estate agent Rabie Chehade from 'I Group Real Estate' in Yagoona told 9News that the fibro property, which allegedly contains three bedrooms and two bathrooms, has already attracted 50-60 inquiries - despite being in its current state of disrepair for the last three years. The property currently has walls missing and an incomplete kitchen.

Experts have said the listing exploits a 'grey area' in rental law, painting a grim picture of the current market.

The NSW Department of Fair Trading is investigating the listing, though there is still lingering uncertainty over the legality of the advertisement.

“It would be a breach of the tenancy agreement if the premises is not fit for habitation, and the tenant may be able to terminate the agreement and claim compensation,” a Fair Trading spokesperson said.

“The Act does not specifically address the issue of a landlord advertising free rent in exchange for renovation work. However, the Act does state rent will consist of a defined amount that is payable by the tenant to the landlord at defined times, and that the premises would be safe and fit for habitation.

“It appears this proposed agreement did not comply with this requirement.”

New State Premier Chris Minns has also weighed in on the issue, tweeting that there was 'no excuse' for the move.

"That's why we're acting now to reform our rental laws," Minns said.

"Introducing a rental commissioner, portable bonds, banning secret rent bidding, ending evictions without reasonable grounds - and that's just the start."

As a nation, Australia is in the midst of its longest continuous stretch of rental price growth ever, with every state's rental prices now at a record mark. In Sydney alone, the median rental price of a unit is $620. Just three months ago, it was $580 - and the forecasts are looking grim.

If the new State Government wants to endear itself to the NSW public, implementing the promoted changes as soon as possible will surely garner support amid the crisis.

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