A man who moved to Sydney recently to start a new career found himself unexpectedly homeless after his landlord locked him out because of unpaid rent.

Centrelink had agreed to pay Paul’s accommodation costs, using Rentstart assistance, but then cancelled this arrangement when it discovered the boarding house Paul was staying in was ‘not approved’.

Paul was unable to pay his rent and his landlord locked him out. The landlord said he intended to keep Paul’s belongings until the outstanding rent was paid.

Wearing the only clothes that he had, Paul sought help from a Homeless Persons’ Legal Service (HPLS) lawyer at the Newtown Mission.

The HPLS lawyer agreed the best course of action was to write a letter to the landlord demanding he return Paul’s possessions.

The HPLS lawyer advised Paul to take this letter to the police and ask them to go to the boarding house with him. With letter in hand, Paul left the HPLS clinic after a 20-minute consultation.

One week later, Paul again contacted HPLS. This time it was to say that he had followed the HPLS advice and was back in possession of his belongings.

It may seem a minor victory in the overwhelming face of homelessness and social disadvantage, but Paul’s story highlights the fact that, sometimes, the small effort of providing advice and assistance has a big impact on a person’s life. 

Paul’s experience is common among people who are living in boarding houses and shared housing.

If you know of someone in a similar situation, free legal assistance is available at any of the HPLS clinics across Sydney. 

Photo: Flickr