Auckland renters get desperate

International students are believed to be the most vulnerable to exploitation in the rental market, with the cost to rent an apartment close to university campuses jumping out of reach for those on limited incomes.

The dire situation has been highlighted by a Facebook advertisement for a room mate to share a “master-room” with three other people.

Photographs of the central city abode show two sets of bunk beds in the bedroom, with two spare mattresses visible underneath one of the bunks.

Another photograph appears to show a bed in the living room of the apartment in The Wakefield, on Wakefield St.

“We are looking for a roommate in CBD area (close to the library, AUT, supermarket, stores) 130/w All bills included (power, water, internet). Share the masteroom with 3 ppl (4ppl in this masteroom with closet, balcony and own toilet) [sic]”

Read more here.