Horror conditions inside Sydney sharehouse exposed
The renter claimed in the video that the property in the inner west suburb of Petersham was 'unsafe' and 'unliveable', with an unaddressed bug infestation throughout the house and a window that could be opened from the outside.
The home also allegedly featured a random shipping container in the backyard.
The creator said she spent $240 a week on rent, the least out of the sharehouse's nine tenants.
'I paid the least as well, they would change the prices for each room, some people were paying 350!' she said.
The video also showed an outdoor 'shared living room' that was essentially an alleyway, and a shower with pretty lacklustre water pressure.
The creator also said that only two toilets were available for the nine tenants.
Commenters were appalled by the state of the home, with one user commenting 'Sydney is probably the worst place to live in Aus (sic)'. Another said: 'Saving this for whenever someone bothers me about living with my parents'.
Other urged the user to seek out better options. 'You don't need to live in the city. Go outer like western suburbs you will find something more cleaner and descent,' one comment said.
Some questions
Many users urged the poster to take action, with one user commenting 'I would lodge a complaint with NSW Fair Trade for unliveable conditions'.
Other users were not surprised by the conditions, with one commenting: 'That's exactly what $240 will get you in Sydney.'
It is understood the poster no longer lives at the sharehouse and filmed the video before she left.
'I genuinely wanted to report the living conditions ... but I had no idea where to start,' she commented. 'I've also moved out now so not sure there's much I can do now.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
SBS Australia
5 minutes ago
- SBS Australia
SBS Nepali Australian News Headlines: Tuesday, 29 July 2025
SBS acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country and their connections and continuous care for the skies, lands and waterways throughout Australia.
SBS Australia
23 minutes ago
- SBS Australia
DIY Renovations: What you need to know before getting started
DIY renovations are popular in Australia, but it's important to understand the risks, rules and safety requirements before starting. Asbestos, lead-based paint and dust are common hazards in older homes, and disturbing them can pose serious health risks. Many types of work, like electrical and plumbing, must legally be done by licensed professionals, and major changes often require permits. Beginners should start small, build their skills gradually, and budget carefully to avoid costly mistakes. For many of us, home is a work in progress. Whether it's giving a room a fresh coat of paint or building a new deck, DIY renovations are popular in Australia. 'There's this sort of culture that you can just get in and do it, and a lot of people will tackle DIY renovations themselves. I think that, as a trend, given the cost of construction at the moment, and the cost of hiring a builder, people are going to turn more to DIY renovations,' Kribashini Hannon says, an experienced building and development manager, DYI renovator, and founder of Build Play Live. But while DIY projects can be rewarding, they also come with important safety and legal considerations. Staying safe around asbestos and other hazards Before you start any project, big or small, safety should always come first. That means learning how to use tools properly, wearing protective gear and being aware of hidden dangers in your home. One of the biggest risks? Asbestos. In Australia, one in three homes contains asbestos, a mineral that can cause cancer if disturbed and then inhaled. If asbestos needs to be removed, you should engage a licensed asbestos removal contractor. Source: Getty / PixeloneStocker Asbestos can be found all around the home, including wet areas (bathroom, kitchen and laundry), eaves and wall sheeting. There are around 3,000 different building products that can contain asbestos, and homes built before 1990 are most at risk. Asbestos isn't necessarily dangerous if it's left alone. But cutting, drilling or breaking it can release tiny fibres into the air. 'If you're doing DIY work where you're drilling or cutting or breaking the sheeting or the asbestos-containing material, what can happen is that mechanical disturbance will disturb the material itself, causing the asbestos fibres to become really small. So we're talking about these microscopic fibres that will get into the air and ultimately get into your lungs because you'll breathe that in,' explains John Batty, member of the Asbestos Education Committee and EDP Consultants managing director. If asbestos removal is needed, Batty recommends playing it safe by hiring a licensed contractor. Other hazards to watch out for include lead-based paint , which is common in older homes, and dust. Control the dust at the source as much you can and go get yourself a respirator or disposable mask. John Batty "Ensure you're wearing that during any demolition works and ensure that you're washing your hands and face appropriately before you go and eat or drink, because you've got that risk of inadvertent ingestion,' Batty says. Safety means wearing the right gear and knowing how to use the tools. Source: Getty / AleksandarNakic Renovating legally: Permits and licences Each state and territory in Australia has different rules around renovations, so it's important to check with your local council and building authority. Some types of work, like electrical or most plumbing jobs, must be done by licensed tradespeople. You'll need building and planning permits for big changes, like removing structural walls, building an extension or putting up a large deck. Skipping permits might seem like a way to save time and money, but it can backfire badly. Hannon says you could be fined, forced to undo the work, or even risk your family's safety. 'You don't want to encounter the risk of something failing,' she says. 'With DIY renovations, we'll see people who haven't done the waterproofing correctly or they haven't prepared their subfloor properly. Within a couple of years, you've got mould, you've got timber rot, and you're having to replace everything that you've done.' If you're new to DIY, start small Geneva Vanderzeil, a DIY expert who began her journey while renovating her Brisbane cottage, says DIY can be a great way to save money… but warns that costs can add up quickly. It's easy to imagine that DIY home renovations are going to be really cheap because you're not paying someone else to do it, but things like materials, tool hire, delivery fees and waste disposal, all those things do add up. Geneva Vanderzeil If you're new to DIY, start with smaller, low-risk projects to build your skills. 'Buy a table and tile it, and learn how to do it first before you tackle the bathroom floor,' Hannon says. Saving money is one reason why people try DIY, but the costs can mount. Source: Getty / Maskot No matter your skill level, there's a project out there for you. Vanderzeil encourages everyone to give DIY a go: 'You don't have to be a pro to get started with DIY. Mistakes are really part of the learning process and starting with smaller projects or starting with those painting projects, those simple projects, will really help you hone your skills and make you feel a lot more confident.' Subscribe to or follow the Australia Explained podcast for more valuable information and tips about settling into your new life in Australia. Do you have any questions or topic ideas? Send us an email to australiaexplained@
ABC News
7 hours ago
- ABC News
The 'village' creating safe havens for women, children fleeing domestic and family violence
For this mother and her two children who have farewelled a nearby refuge for their fresh start, they won't be walking into a barren home. It will be a sanctuary designed down to the finest detail for this Sydney trio who fled domestic and family violence. For the volunteers who have transformed the space within four hours, all they were told is this mother, 28, loves the colours black and green and finds peace in reading. Her daughter, seven, loves black and pink and enjoys craft and Hello Kitty toys. The son, five, loves black and red, Pokémon and gaming. For many in this predicament, they have left their former home with little more than the clothes on their backs, in search of safety. This home is just one of approximately 10 being decorated this week for a victim-survivor in Australia. The volunteers step in quietly and quickly to furnish the empty properties, converting them into fully functioning homes. Many leave with tears in their eyes. The RizeUp Homes program furnishes homes for those transitioning out of crisis situations across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia. For victim-survivors who have acquired a home via public housing, private rental or another option, RizeUp works with various organisations and governing bodies to turn these bare spaces into welcoming environments. It isn't just basic necessities like a bed and dining table — each set up is personalised. Specialist domestic and family violence services then assist in providing crisis support, case management and safety planning to the person or people in need. "We place the victim-survivor at the centre of every decision, especially when children are involved," said Ms Edwards. "We listen to what matters to them — their favourite colours, hobbies, the things that make them feel seen and safe — and we thoughtfully tailor each room so it reflects who they are. Whether it's a Paw Patrol doona cover or a desk to do schoolwork." It takes approximately $6,500 — via donations — to furnish each house, with more than 3,200 homes furnished over the years. For the RizeUp team who watch their volunteers set up the homes, from putting together flat-pack furniture to fluffing a smiley face pillow on a child's new bed, it is clear how moved they are. "Behind each of those homes is a real story. A mother longing for a moment of peace. A child who has seen too much," said Ms Edwards. "These aren't just numbers — they're families with hopes, fears and futures that deserve to be free from violence." Almost a decade ago, Margie* walked into her safe haven for the first time. Reflecting on that moment makes her emotional. In Margie's former marriage, there was a history of verbal, emotional, psychological and later physical abuse. Her catalyst for leaving was seeing the impact on her eldest child, who was experiencing "night terrors". With her three kids in tow and just one travel case, Margie sought the help of a domestic violence organisation in her local region. "They told me there was a charity that could help me restart, because when I left, I left with nothing." Upon entering her newly furnished home, one of her child's bedrooms was abundant with plush toys, another had a doll house and princess costumes. A bassinet lay in the corner of Margie's beautifully decorated bedroom. On the dining room table was a fruit bowl, with a handwritten sign that read: "Welcome home!" "It felt like, 'Wow, someone actually cares and believes in me'," she said. Chief executive officer of Domestic Violence NSW, Delia Donovan, said the state's wider housing system struggles to meet the needs of victim-survivors. "Women and their children are often expected to leave crisis accommodation after just three months, yet pathways into safe, stable housing are scarce and difficult to navigate. "Transitional housing is severely limited, social housing waitlists are over 10 years in some places and eligibility criteria is rigid." Ms Donovan acknowledged the impact of the cost of living crisis and restrictions with temporary visas. "Without long-term, stable housing options and properly funded wraparound support — including case management, legal help and trauma-informed care — there is no safe pathway forward," she said, urging for more government funding. With RizeUp's fundraising gala ball on August 2, Ms Edwards said it is a special time to reflect on their 10th anniversary and the "generosity of our village". "Every donation — no matter the size — helps us continue our work," she said. "It's a safe bed where new dreams can be made. A dining table to share the simple joys of connection. A pantry full of ingredients to nourish the soul. "To help create a space that says, 'You're safe now, you matter, you're not alone.' That's an extraordinary privilege." Ultimately, the ripple effect of support is lasting, noted Margie. "I couldn't have set up a new life the way I have without a helping hand. "I've got a new husband, who's so supportive and loving and extra kids to add to the mix." Now with her lived-experience at hand, Margie is helping other victim-survivors with post-traumatic growth. "You might feel isolated, but there are services and survivors on the other side that hear you." *Names have been changed for safety reasons.
