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Small business owner Jim Flanagan has lived in his three-bedroom house in Sydney’s Dulwich Hill for the past four years.
Flanagan said Today he was forced to go public after receiving a termination letter.
“If you’re a tenant and you’re currently a small business owner, getting a notice to vacate is a bit of a disaster to say the least,” he said.
“(Our) options are so limited in the property market.”
Premier Anthony Albanese said in a statement to 9News.com.au that he was selling his property following “changes in my personal life”.
Flanagan reportedly paid $680 a week for the three-bedroom property, a figure that has not been raised since it was reduced during COVID-19.
While he understands and respects that Albanese has the right to sell his property, he said many renters are struggling amid the cost-of-living crisis.
“This is the most challenging time I have ever faced as a small business owner. The options are so limited,” he said.
“As a renter, we’re looking for something a little more thoughtful from a discussion point of view. But he is perfectly within his rights to do that, but the impact is so stressful.
“I have nothing against property owners … we’re just looking to survive and keep our noses above water.
“It’s very difficult in my industry, in hospitality, so we have to try to survive and move forward.”
Flanagan said the Prime Minister had been a generous landlord but said he was surprised to receive the notice.
“It doesn’t seem consistent with the announcements and the budget this week,” he said.
The 45-year-old described Sydney’s rental market as “terrifying”.
“The small business I run is about a minute’s walk from here. I don’t have access to a vehicle at the moment, so I absolutely have to try and make sure I’m as close as possible,” he said.
“I looked at the market and my options are extremely limited, that’s the situation.
“Again, my options are extremely limited.”
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