Jakki Brooking, a 28-year-old single mother and registered nurse in Perth, faced a devastating situation just days before Christmas when her landlords more than doubled her weekly rent.
In a heartfelt video on TikTok, Brooking shared the dire circumstances that could leave her and her son homeless by the New Year. After living in her rental home for six years, she was confronted with a rent increase from $300 to an unmanageable $630 per week.
Brooking's rental property was previously part of the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS), which aimed to reduce rental costs for low-income earners.
However, the property's recent sale led to the new owners opting out of the NRAS, resulting in the steep rent hike. Wearing Christmas-themed nursing scrubs, an emotional Brooking expressed her frustration and desperation, having faced rejection in her search for alternative housing.
Facing Homelessness and Legal Threats
With her lease ending on January 1, Brooking finds herself in a precarious position, struggling to find accommodation within the limited availability of NRAS properties.
She reached out to her real estate agent, only to be met with a callous response and threats of legal action if she didn't vacate by the deadline.
Brooking, overwhelmed by the situation, expressed her embarrassment and the added stress of finding accommodation for her pets and storage for their belongings.
