I have lived in Melbourne since the end of 2009. For the first six years of my time here I was a uni student. I have lived in five different rentals, and although at times it was difficult to find somewhere to live, it has always been doable.

How the times have changed. I am now 27 years old, with nine years of rental history, seven of those years in Melbourne. I am a lawyer making a solid income at my graduate job. My fellow applicants are young professionals who work full time and have flawless rental history.

Renting solo, in the mid 2010s, is a luxury few can afford. Credit:Stocksy

This year I took my ex-landlord to VCAT (and won) because he failed to fix a leak above my bed so I was homeless for three months, and I wanted compensation. The latter point is the only thing that I can see might be contentious about me as a rental applicant. We have been looking for a house for two months. So, why can't we get one?

1.Not many places are within our budget ($660 per week for 3 bedrooms). Anybody who is on a median salary can tell you that inner-city Melbourne rental prices are generally unaffordable. I am on a graduate salary, which although stable is certainly not excessive. My fellow applicants, one of whom works at a not for profit, don't have money to burn when it comes to rent.