It comes as census data showed 10,713 Albury-Wodonga households spend more than 30 per cent of their income on rent, meeting the Productivity Commission’s definition of households in rental stress.

Beyond Housing, formerly Rural Housing networks, client service manager Catherine Jefferies said across the Border there was a lack of affordable rentals.

“What people need to understand is that people are operating while living on a couch or in a car often with children – all while still trying to go to work,” she said. 

“It’s really, really hard to keep it all together.

“At this time of year especially, it’s not pleasant to live in a car and it makes it harder and harder for people to maintain work.”

The 2016 census showed 21.5 per cent of household had a income of $650 per week or less and could only afford $195 a week in rent

Only three properties in Albury or Wodonga with three or more bedrooms were available for $195, and one popular housing website listed a total of eight properties available in the price range for Wodonga. 

Just over 50 Albury properties were listed available for rent at under $195.

Mrs Jefferies said even when a property was available, securing it was very difficult.

“There’s an absolute shortage of low income houses and also a lot of competition for these properties,” she said.

“You might have a working couple trying to save a deposit to buy a house looking to rent a cheaper property, and we absolutely understand that, but you find others squeezed out of the market.”

Mrs Jefferies said being unable to find a rental was emotionally taxing and could fray relationships.

“Emotionally it puts a lot of pressure on people,” she said.

“It’s a constant mental state and it’s taxing to be told again you’re not successful.”

Those who secure a rental, but experience rental stress could be forced to cut back on groceries, utilities and car payments which Mrs Jefferies said strains already limited resources. 

The Victorian government recently announced they would extend the private rental assistance program funding by $33.2 million over two years.

Mrs Jefferies said through the program, Beyond Housing could help people on a low income with no or poor rental history, and who were struggling to find a home.

She said trying to get a low-rent house was stressful and taxing but help was available.