The rental crisis is forcing some Queenslanders to get creative by renting caravans to keep a roof over their heads.
Rental companies say they have waitlists for their caravans, but a council rule change would make it simpler and cheaper for those in crisis to find shelter while they wait for a house.
Kate Rowthorne, Terrie Dean, their cat, two dogs and Terrie's mum are among the many who call a caravan home.
READ MORE: Medibank hackers are Russian cybercriminals, AFP claims
Their setup at the local showgrounds is a reality after around 1000 rejected rental applications.
They resorted to hiring a caravan, which they have occupied for more than a year.
"Everything is cramped into 25 feet, your bedroom, your toilet, your kitchen, your fridge - everything is there," Dean said.
In a tough rental market, Rowthorne described the situation as "very depressing".
"It continues to bring you down the more you do it," she said.
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They are not alone.
Dave McKellar's caravan rental business has tripled since 2020.
"We rent out these caravans for about $100 a week and it gives them a roof over their head while they find something," McKellar said.
Every budget rental company 9News spoke to has been fully booked since last year, some with as many as 60 vans on long-term hire.
"There's so many people living in cars and tents," McKellar said.
"I've got a list of people waiting."
With a van, there's still the matter of where to park it.
The obvious choice is a friend or family member's backyard, but most councils forbid that.
EXPLAINED: How to know if you're being digitally tracked and what to do about it
Most people end up at showgrounds and caravan parks where maximum stays usually apply, which means residents pack up and move every few weeks.
"It's like moving constantly," Dean said.
In the current rental crisis, there are now calls for councils to reassess their laws so families can stay in one place for longer and park for free while they get back on their feet.
"The alternative is the back of a car in a public carpark, what's going to be safer at the end of the day?" McKellar said.
"Relax the laws a little bit."
All up, Rowthorne and Dean pay $385 a week plus a $100 fee every time they need to move the van but they consider themselves lucky they have a roof at all.
"There are people who do it worse than us," Dean said.
"I'm grateful to have that and have to pay so much each fortnight because at least I'm not a family with a kid living in a tent."
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November 11, 2022 at 03:18PM
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The rental crisis is forcing some Queenslanders to get creative by renting caravans to keep a roof over their heads.
Rental companies say they have waitlists for their caravans, but a council rule change would make it simpler and cheaper for those in crisis to find shelter while they wait for a house.
Kate Rowthorne, Terrie Dean, their cat, two dogs and Terrie's mum are among the many who call a caravan home.
READ MORE: Medibank hackers are Russian cybercriminals, AFP claims
Their setup at the local showgrounds is a reality after around 1000 rejected rental applications.
They resorted to hiring a caravan, which they have occupied for more than a year.
"Everything is cramped into 25 feet, your bedroom, your toilet, your kitchen, your fridge - everything is there," Dean said.
In a tough rental market, Rowthorne described the situation as "very depressing".
"It continues to bring you down the more you do it," she said.
READ MORE: Diver attacked by invisible threat on Aussie beaches
They are not alone.
Dave McKellar's caravan rental business has tripled since 2020.
"We rent out these caravans for about $100 a week and it gives them a roof over their head while they find something," McKellar said.
Every budget rental company 9News spoke to has been fully booked since last year, some with as many as 60 vans on long-term hire.
"There's so many people living in cars and tents," McKellar said.
"I've got a list of people waiting."
With a van, there's still the matter of where to park it.
The obvious choice is a friend or family member's backyard, but most councils forbid that.
EXPLAINED: How to know if you're being digitally tracked and what to do about it
Most people end up at showgrounds and caravan parks where maximum stays usually apply, which means residents pack up and move every few weeks.
"It's like moving constantly," Dean said.
In the current rental crisis, there are now calls for councils to reassess their laws so families can stay in one place for longer and park for free while they get back on their feet.
"The alternative is the back of a car in a public carpark, what's going to be safer at the end of the day?" McKellar said.
"Relax the laws a little bit."
All up, Rowthorne and Dean pay $385 a week plus a $100 fee every time they need to move the van but they consider themselves lucky they have a roof at all.
"There are people who do it worse than us," Dean said.
"I'm grateful to have that and have to pay so much each fortnight because at least I'm not a family with a kid living in a tent."
