A FAMILY of eight face homelessness.
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Medical costs and unpaid water bills they were never told about have backed a Wagga family into a corner and, potentially, onto the street as they struggle to secure an appropriate rental property.
Rebbecca Sullwood and partner Thomas Burton moved into their Tolland rental property, with six children among them, 12 months ago.
Their lease expired yesterday.
The property was listed for sale 30 days ago, forcing them to move elsewhere under the legal time requirement.
The landlord recently changed agents after the previous agent failed to send out water bills during their tenancy a few months back.
Ms Sullwood never chased it up with the agent, as garden maintenance was included in the rental agreement, assuming water might have been also.
"Then we got slammed," she said.
"The first one was $336 and the other one was $137 a couple of months ago.
"We're trying to pay it back."
It's believed rental references are now working against them due to the water bills - they never received - weren't paid on time.
"We've been so stressed in the last month," Ms Sullwood said.
"We've been applying everywhere.
"We've just been knocked back every time.
"It's a real stick in the mud.
"We pay our rent, we do as much as we can."
The family could be eligible for housing commission, but a home large enough for eight is up to a 10-year wait.
"In the last five years, the family has been hit quite hard," Ms Sullwood said.
Her eldest daughter 15-year-old Katherine Thompson's father died three years ago from cancer.
His diagnosis came at the same time as daughter Elaina Sullwood, now six, had a desmoid tumour removed when she was one.
The family since make regular Sydney visits for growth issues because her bones, which were reconstructed when the tumour was removed, can't match the rate of development.
Country Hope came on board when Elaina's tumour was removed and continue to support the family financially and emotionally.
Ms Sullwood works as a Kaszazz consultant, while Mr Burton delivers flyers, booklets and catalogues.
Both are also on Centrelink benefits to counter the medical costs associated with Elaina.
The couple currently pay $390 a week and are willing to pay $400 a week for a four-bedroom, two-bathroom home in Wagga.
They say they are in desperate need of somewhere to live.
"We have no idea (what will happen)," Ms Sullwood said.
"We're crossing our fingers otherwise we'll end up on the street."
Anyone who can offer assistance or know of a suitable rental property, please contact Rebbecca on 0423 341 254.