I talk to a lot of people about rooming houses, and it still surprised me how many people get a funny look on their face when I mention them. Kind of like they’ve just smelled something rather unpleasant.
I can almost guarantee the next words that they say will be along the lines of “Oh, I wouldn’t want to risk housing druggies and people who’ve just come out of prison.” Amongst other things.
And yet the truth is that well-run rooming houses with good facilities attract a very different set of occupants. Here are some common groups of people who may live in rooming houses:
Single Adults: Rooming houses are commonly occupied by single adults who may not require a large living space and prefer the affordability and convenience of shared housing.
Newcomers and Immigrants: People who have recently moved to a new city or country may find rooming houses an accessible and affordable option while they establish themselves and search for more permanent housing.
Transient Workers: Rooming houses are sometimes favored by temporary or seasonal workers who need a place to stay for a few months. These workers often appreciate the flexibility and lower costs associated with rooming houses.
Seniors: Some rooming houses provide housing for elderly individuals on fixed incomes who are looking for affordable and communal living arrangements.
Low-Income Individuals: Rooming houses often cater to individuals with limited financial resources. This includes people who may be struggling to afford traditional apartments or housing due to low income, unemployment, or other financial challenges.
As you can see, rooming houses typically accommodate a diverse range of residents, and the demographics can vary widely depending on the location and the specific policies of the rooming house.
It’s important to note that the quality and conditions of rooming houses can vary widely, so residents may have varying experiences. Local regulations and management practices can also influence the demographic mix and overall living conditions in rooming houses.
Bottom line, well-run rooming houses can be a valuable housing option for people who need affordable and flexible living arrangements.
100 percent agree, we have pretty much all those demographics and our neighbours find that the address is now non remarkable where as before when it was a stand alone house they had people dealing drugs, parties, junk on display etc.
We don’t always manage to pick great renters however with the increased ability to manage them versus the loss of control you now have with standard rental agreements we can deal promptly with most behaviours.
Never going back to standard rentals in the state of Victoria.