A BUSSELTON resident feels “discriminated against” when she saw a rental property was reduced in price after her application was rejected.
Noreen Jeffrey has been living in social housing for 36 years and wants to leave her Homes West residence since suffering from poor health and living near unsettling neighbours.
She said her current home made it hard for ambulance officers to access her property when she needed their help.
Ms Jeffrey decided to try her luck in the private rental market where she was denied on her first application.
A spokesperson from the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia said real estate agents and home owners could not discriminate against age, race or religion and the decision on rental applications was up to the home owner.
“The application is presented to the home owner and it is up to the home owner,” the spokesperson said.
The Real Estate Institute of Western Australia spokesperson said the agent followed protocol in Ms Jeffrey’s case.
Naturaliste Settlements and Property Manager Stephanie O’Malley said people often couldn’t afford rentals or were not a suitable fit for the owner.
“I often sit down with young people and do a budget and they realise they can’t afford it and they’re grateful,” she said.
Have you experienced problems with rental applications or rental properties in Busselton? Let us know at emma.kirk@fairfaxmedia.com.au.
