No rentals for man who must move
WILLIAM Akenson has lived in his Pimlico flat for more than decade, but in less than a month he will be without a home.
With demand high and supply low in the Townsville rental market, Mr Akenson’s rent was increased from $250 to $265 a week.
Mr Akenson said while he would be more than happy to pay the increase, he had been waiting for maintenance to be done on the property for years.
He said there was some white ant damage at the property and his cupboards didn’t close, which he asked to be repaired before signing a new 12-month lease. Mr Akenson said he had not had problems with the rental agents in the past, but the issues started when a new company took over management of the property. He said the new rental agent refused to do the maintenance.
“I’ve been on a periodic lease for about eight years,” Mr Akenson said. “I’ve had a good relationship with the owner. I was the caretaker for a while, about four years.”
Mr Akenson said he expected to find out when he needed to leave the property on November 9, giving him less than a month to find somewhere else to live. But after months of searching, Mr Akenson is still struggling to find somewhere, with the disagreement with his rental agent causing problems for his references.
“It’s like I’ve been black-listed because I stood my ground,” Mr Akenson said.
“I’m Aboriginal, I’ve got family everywhere in this town … but I stick on my own.”
He said the situation had put him under a lot of stress and was not helping his heart condition.
The real estate company was contacted for comment.