Mickey got a taste of the security an affordable rental offers, but not for long

When we spoke to Mickey last year, he was facing a 73 per cent rental price hike on his Melbourne apartment.

The 39-year-old was scrambling to find somewhere he could afford to live and avoid a return to homelessness.

We touched base recently, and he had some good news.

Mickey, who lives with chronic illness and is on a disability pension, was able to secure accommodation being rented under the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS) soon after our story was published.

He's about to start paid work and his health has improved.

But the hustle hasn't stopped. Part-way through his new lease, Mickey's landlord withdrew from the NRAS, increasing his rent by two-thirds.

"Subsequently the rent has gone up to 80 per cent of my income before bills," he says.

We spoke to Mickey about how life has changed — and in some ways hasn't — since November last year.

These are his words.

'I've taken it on the chin'

Not long after we spoke, under my own steam, I found a new place to live in Melbourne's western suburbs.

My friend has been driving me to a lot of inspections, but at the end of the day the place I ended up getting I did all myself.

It matters because it shows I was being proactive about what I was facing.

But outside of finding accommodation, there has been a lot of stress with my rent increasing from $275 per week to $450 per week since the landlord withdrew from the NRAS scheme.

I've dealt with so many different organisations trying to get to the bottom of whether or not it transpired in a way that is above board, because it certainly didn't feel that way.

It was tears for a while there, but as I became more informed the tears were less.

This happened last year as well. It was initially tears and 'I don't know what to do', before empowering myself and finding support services.

Ultimately, I've taken it on the chin, but things have lapsed over the past month.

I was up to 13 days arrears in rent yesterday before I made a payment late last night.

'A 'Mariel' moment' and a new job

I used to be Michael but I've had a bit of 'Mariel' moment since moving to Melbourne, and I now go by Mickey.

[Reporter's note: If that reference is lost on you, it's probably best you get up to speed with one of Australia's best films, Muriel's Wedding, stat!]

And coming up soon I will be employed.

I've been volunteering at a radio station in Collingwood since August last year. They have offered me a casual gig to see me through this situation.

It's very much going to be a lifesaver, and also experience for future work.

Earlier this year I was comped a placement in their radio announcer course which I had completed, and I recorded my very first show broadcast demo just a few weeks ago.

I'm very proud to complete this and it gives me hope to keep being proactive with the situation.

The security of the accommodation here had given me the confidence to pursue my ideal career in the music industry by taking up these opportunities to learn and grow with the security and dignity of a "forever home".

I've been looking for places near the radio station because that's been such a rock for me.

Health wise, things are looking a lot different than last year. I didn't have much food security.

Out here I've connected with the Vinnies Soup Van, which sounds like a cup of soup, but actually I get between $30 and $40 worth of groceries when I go.

My crisper has never been fuller.

I'm staying healthy. I've been able to follow my health and specialist appointments. I put that down to having security of having a place like this here, whereas last year it was so precarious.

My best friend has also made generous offers like covering my rent if I find a new place and still have to pay the rent here over the notice period.

Friends have provided me lunches and dinners.

There is Unison who can help with rent and bond loans if you meet certain criteria.

'I'm doomsday prepping'

I'm not sitting pretty regarding the rent increase.

I've been going to inspections to see what I can find that's more affordable.

Unfortunately, I think the rental crisis is only going to get worse.

I see people at inspections who are living out of their cars, or looking through the property with all their belongings they've brought in from the park.

I didn't see people in those circumstances at inspections last year.

The scheme was a big help, but to see this is coming to an end and there is nothing to replace it, it's a void.

I don't know what's coming up.

I'm doomsday prepping.