RELATED: Database a debt burden | Editorial
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A LAVINGTON family of seven is facing the prospect of not having a roof over their heads this time next week.
Daniel and Brenda Whichelo have been knocked back by 13 real estate agents in their search for a rental house due to an old listing on a rental default database in Queensland.
Mrs Whichelo acquired the debt while living with her former partner in Bundaberg, Queensland.
Mr and Mrs Whichelo moved to the Border three years ago where they had no trouble moving into a private rental.
“The landlord at our current home in Lavington is moving back in and needs us out,” Mr Whichelo said.
“We have been getting knockback after knockback and one of the agents said it was because of this database.
“We paid the debt in full three years ago and were told that once it was paid, it would go away.
“We have since discovered that names stay on the database for seven years unless you take it to court to have it removed.
“The paperwork has been submitted and now it’s a waiting game that could take up to four weeks.”
The couple — who have five children under the age of 11, including a 16-month-old — need to be out of their Lavington home on September 24.
They have a copy of a receipt showing the debt had been paid, which has been produced to real estate agents but has so far failed to sway any in their favour.
“It’s really disappointing because we have been renting on the Border for the past three years and never missed a payment,” Mr Whichelo said.
Mr Whichelo is a mechanic who is out of work.
He and his wife are both on Centrelink payments.
“I don’t care if I sleep in my car, I just need a roof over the head for the kids,” Mr Whichelo said.
The couple have also been knocked back from private rentals and have no family living locally they can stay with until they find a house.