Relationship break-ups, uncompromising landlords and fears of eviction: How Australian sharehouse residents have suffered through the lockdowns

Australians stuck living in share houses throughout the coronavirus pandemic have suffered through months of uncertainty due to the lockdown and the resultant job losses.

Many renters faced relationship break-ups, tough landlords and fears of eviction throughout the lockdown, which began on March 31, according to a survey from flatmates.com.au.

The survey, which involved 12,000 respondents, showed at least 20 per cent of renters made the tough choice to move back in with their parents rather than stick out the ordeal in their shared accommodation.

Many renters faced relationship break-ups, tough landlords and fears of eviction throughout the lockdown, which began on March 31, according to a survey from flatmates.com.au

Only half of tenants who asked for a rent reduction were lucky enough to get one, while at least one-fifth were worried about being evicted due to unpaid rent

While one-sixth of respondents chose to move in with a boyfriend or girlfriend during the lockdown but the survey showed at least half of those relationships had broken up since.

While the government had urged landlords to be flexible on rent and hold up on evictions during the sudden torrent of job losses, only half of tenants who asked for a rent reduction had received one, while at least a fifth were worried about being kicked out due to unpaid rent.

More than one-third said they spent more on food to cope with the lockdown, while almost 10 per cent adopted a pet. 

Claudia Conley, community manager at Flatmates.com.au told the Daily Telegraph it wasn't all 'doom and gloom' for renters.

'Due to the uptick in properties and rooms available, prices are being driven down in some of the most sought-after areas,' she said.

'Now is a fantastic time to move into your dream share house in your dream location.'

More than one-third said they spent more on food to cope with the lockdown, while almost 10 per cent adopted a pet

There was a lot of uncertainty for renters as hundreds of young people were forced out of work due to the lockdown

Figures from flatmates.com.au show how much prices have dropped since the pandemic began. 

A room in Brisbane's nightlife hub of Fortitude Valley which was set at $250 a week before the pandemic can now be snapped up for just $180 a week. 

A room in Sydney's high-demand inner-city suburb Surry Hills was priced at about $330 a week but is now going for about $230 a week.

A room in Adelaide's beachside Glenelg was priced at about $195 a week but can now be snapped up for just $160 a week.