Refugee searching for rental home rejected more than 100 times

Jay Biayi, a refugee from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, endured a grueling six-month search for rental accommodation in South Australia, applying for over 100 properties before finally securing a home. His family arrived in South Australia on refugee visas, and the housing search proved to be a significant hurdle.

"Housing… that's very challenging because we spent close to six months just to get accommodation," Biayi said. "I went to over 100 house inspections, and our applications were rejected." Despite the difficulties, his family has settled in Adelaide's northern suburbs and feels welcomed by their neighbors.

“

Housing … that's very challenging because we spent close to six months just to get accommodation. I went to over 100 house inspections, and our applications were rejected.

Biayi's struggle is emblematic of a broader issue in Australia's rental market, which is experiencing near-historic lows in vacancy rates. Adelaide's vacancy rate stood at a mere 0.4% in June, with median weekly rents for houses reaching a record $650. This tight market makes it difficult for many, especially newcomers, to find suitable housing.

“

If we want people to contribute, we need to ensure they have a fair opportunity to establish themselves, and that starts with access to affordable housing.

Biayi, who holds a social work qualification, is currently improving his English skills at TAFE. He hopes to work in social work, health, or aged care – sectors facing significant worker shortages. Helena Kyriazopoulos, CEO of SA Multicultural Communities Council, stressed the importance of providing migrants with access to affordable housing, viewing them as potential contributors rather than disadvantages. "If we want people to contribute, we need to ensure they have a fair opportunity to establish themselves, and that starts with access to affordable housing," she stated.

Catherine Earl, CEO of SA Council of Social Service, echoed this sentiment, noting that landlords can be selective in a competitive market, sometimes overlooking applicants with limited incomes. "It's really hard… landlords are able to pick and choose who they provide their property to," Earl said. She believes migrants are a key part of the solution to worker shortages, but housing remains a critical barrier. Biayi encourages embracing multiculturalism, highlighting the value of diverse cultural understanding and experiences that migrants bring.

“

It's really hard … landlords are able to pick and choose who they provide their property to.